Page 34 - link magazine

34 swindonlink.com • January 2013
Ice hockey squad brings sporting spirit to Lydiard Park Academy

At the end of their first term at Lydiard Park Academy, the members of the Okanagan Hockey Academy UK (OHA UK) under 16 ice hockey
squad have recently received glowing reports from academy teachers and their hockey school manager, demonstrating that the focus and
passion they have for their sport is being carried over into the classroom.
Explaining how well the partner- for a better school to partner with. the school. All of them and their Commenting on the dedication of
ship with Lydiard Park Academy is LPA principal Clive Zimmerman parents are very happy with the the young players, Clive Harding
working, OHA UK general manager and the academic mentor Clive support and leadership shown by said: “Sports people are very driven
Steve Nell said: “It’s been a great Harding have done an outstanding the school. We are looking forward and this shows as much in their
success. We couldn’t have wished job in integrating the athletes into to a long and successful partnership academic work as in their sports
in the years ahead.” performance. One lad is translating
There are 13 athletes at- his lesson plans into his native Hun-
tending both OHA UK and garian, doing the homework, then
Lydiard Park Academy, translating it back to English. It’s a
ranging from 12 to 15 years lot of work for someone who didn’t
old, including players from have much of the language before
the Ukraine, Germany and he came, but he’s just achieved an
Hungary. There are also A in his latest science test.”
pupils from Scotland and Twelve year old Mac Howlett,
Surrey. All the out of town from Guildford, joined the squad
youngsters are billeted with in the summer and has enjoyed his
local families. first term at Lydiard Park Academy.
Offering an insight into Describing his ice hockey ambitions
their gruelling training Mac said: “I want to play college
schedule, 14 year old Ukraine-born hockey in the US, then aim for the
Make the Mad March Hare your resolution target Simon Kunin, who has played ice NHL or the elite Swiss League.”
Every year the Mad March Hare in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer hockey since he was two and a Affirming his favourable im-
welcomes many first timers, so if you’re looking for a target for your new half, said: “We are on the ice every pressions of the youngsters, Clive
year’s resolution, register now and aim to be on the start line at Lydiard morning from 8am to 9.30am, then Harding said: “All the players have
Park Academy on Sunday 24 March. after school we have off-ice training, an excellent academic and sports
The 5km and 10km routes are suitable for walkers, runners, those including fitness, strength, mental attitude. They are great role models
with pushchairs and dog walkers. All finishers are awarded a medal and approaches to sport and yoga.” for our other young learners.”
goody bag, including four-legged participants. Above, first day at Lydiard Park Academy in September. The hockey players with,
Register to participate at www.madmarchhare.org.uk from left, Clive Zimmerman, headteacher, Christian Dobbs, head of sport, Clive
If walking or running is not for you then volunteers, either on the day Harding, academy sports coordinator, Alex Buchalik, sports teacher.
or as a member of the organising team, are needed. Call 0845 680 Below, game action at Link Centre. The players wear the Lydiard Park Academy logo
80640 for details. on their shoulders. Photos: Richard Wintle www.calyxpix.com

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