A LICHFIELD teenager is preparing to take on a leading role in a UK fitness event aiming to inspire youngsters to get active.
Libbie Joyce, a former student at The Friary School, has been appointed as youth race director for the DEKA Youth event in Derby in September.
The elite obstacle racer and member of the Spartan UK national team has also been coaching younger athletes at the Greendale Performance Centre in Elford.
The DEKA fitness competition challenges participants to complete ten different fitness zones utilising exercises such as rowing, lunges and sled pushes.
The Derby event's youth competition is designed to help bridge the gap between school PE lessons and modern fitness training.
Libbie said it was important youngsters were able to stay active. She added:
"Bringing functional fitness into schools would make a real difference and it teaches young people practical, everyday movements like lifting, carrying and running, but in a way that’s fun, varied and easy to get involved in.
"It’s not just about sport, it’s about building confidence, resilience and helping students find something they enjoy, so they stay active."
Emily leRoux, vice-president of DEKA International, added:
"I am incredibly proud to celebrate Libbie, who at just 18 is stepping into the role of race director for our inaugural DEKA Youth event.
"Libbie is a phenomenal talent on the racecourse, driven by a pure passion for sport and a proven commitment to mentoring young athletes."
Schools interested in finding out more about how DEKA-style training can be integrated into their PE programmes can contact Libbie via libbiejoyce@gmail.com.
