Check out our 2019 Activity Influencers from London Primary Schools who are inspiring children to move and get active every day
2019 ACTIVITY INFLUENCERS

Name: Hanna Sepata
School: Granton Primary School
Borough: Lambeth
Role: PE Lead
“I believe that children at Primary School are at the optimum age for physical development. They love being active and are willing to explore all ranges of sports and games.”
I become enthralled watching children grow, progress year on year and assist them to fall in love with being active in a skilful way. My reward is to see how students light up when they become successful and skilful in an activity or sport they never imagined they could master. PE helps all children regardless of background to develop social responsibility, to deal with defeat and to persevere. I truly enjoy having the privilege to facilitate this journey.
I was always physically active as a child I was always a big girl, I’m still not small but sport helped me get this confidence. I was always moving and it makes you feel good. It shows you that you can do it. I then started Judo and I had a great teacher. There’s nothing like the feeling on the mat when you give everything you’ve got.

Name: Steven Cotton
School: Berrymede Junior School
Borough: Ealing
Role: Assistant Head Teacher
“I play a lead role in trialling and upskilling children and staff in unconventional sporting activities.”
I engage the whole school community in sport and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in something they enjoy. This is written into the school ethos and is a key driver of the school as a whole. Participation levels and enjoyment has risen through the structures set up. I always look to improve myself for the better of those around him.
What inspires him: When I was younger, I lived in Devon, I grew up by the beach and all my friends surfed. I lived a bit away from the beach so I couldn’t always get down there but I’ve always loved sport. I remember when I was in year 10 I loved athletics and happened to be able to throw. I always wanted to join the local athletics club but it wasn’t until I was able to get myself there that my mum said I could go as it was quite a way from my house.
My mum actually came back from a parents evening in year 11 where the teacher asked what she had done with me, as I was a changed person; it was all down to my joining the athletics club. I have always been active, doing judo since I was 8 and athletics afterwards - all different things over the years.
I think I went into coaching and teaching because I thought it would be good for the kids to have a positive role model, when I came into teaching people were like boys never dance but if I did it I never had a problem because it was me doing it and the kids could see that. That was one of my drivers to be honest.

Name: Sumayyah Maayuf
School: Scott Wilkie Primary School
Borough: Newham
Role: Sports Coach
“I implemented Marathon Kids in the 2017/18 academic year with 199 children across years 3 - 6. I inspired 100% of these children to reach the half marathon and 87% reaching the full 1st marathon. So far this academic year I have inspired 94% of my 275 kids to continue on the programme.”
I’ve always been physically active – I lived on an estate when I was younger where there was a closed off playground, so all of my time was spent outside playing sport. My mum funded my sports lifestyle; if I wanted to play football, she’d buy me a football. So with all of the equipment I went outside and played every sport you can think of, all of my childhood I’ve always been active. Then I got into football.
I’ve got three older brothers who went so I went along with them at the age of four. So I’ve been involved in sport or structured activities all of my life.

Name: Samuel Asokar
School: Gainsborough Primary School
Borough: Newham
Role: Sports Coach
“I ensure all of my PE lessons are differentiated to allow all children to participate including autistic children and children with disabilities.”
I encourage children with their learning by providing physical breaks to children who find concentrating when learning challenging.
Also he is communicating well with teachers and adults ensuring they know what skills are required and what to do to improve in fitness.
What inspired him: In my secondary school time my teachers encouraged me, I didn’t have much family support coming from a Asian background but I had great teachers.
One teacher Mr weaver, I am still in contact with him today, he got me past a lot of barriers. It is so encouraging when you have a role model teacher because of him I had a good experience in PE that why I try to be a positive role model to children today.