Holly Bradshaw, the Olympic Bronze Medallist from Team GB, sparked enthusiasm at the inauguration of the SPAR Lancashire School Games 2023-24, held at James Hall & Co. Ltd's SPAR Distribution Centre in Preston on November 28, 2023.

Fifty-five school children from nine Lancashire districts joined the celebration together with colleagues from James Hall & Co. Ltd, Active Lancashire, and the School Games Organiser Network. The event kicked off with a photo shoot with SPAR mascot SPARtan, followed by a comprehensive tour of the distribution centre.

Inspiring Olympian

Olympian Holly Bradshaw, 32, who made history as the first British athlete to win a Pole Vault Olympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games, delivered an inspiring presentation. She shared her experiences as a former School Games participant and her career with Team GB. Holly, currently in her winter training for the Paris Olympics next year, expressed gratitude for the opportunity.

Christopher Baron, 9, from Heskin Pemberton CE Primary School, found Holly’s talk motivational with its emphasis on perseverance. The distribution centre tour also left a lasting impression, especially the food manufacturing area.

India Elkington, 9, from Holy Trinity RC Primary School in Brierfield, appreciated the production insights and admired Holly’s journey in football and beyond.

Children’s sports

The Lancashire School Games, sponsored by SPAR since 2006, engage children in sport and activities. In 2022-23, 24,000 children participated in 23 events across Lancashire. Adrian Leather, Chief Executive at Active Lancashire, thanked James Hall & Co. Ltd for their ongoing support.

Niels Dekkers, Retail Development Director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, praised the successful event and wished Holly all the best for the Paris Olympics.

For more details about the Lancashire School Games, visit www.lancashireschoolgames.co.uk.

Source: James Hall & Co. Ltd

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About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.