Inspiring the next generation
Bobsledders Greg Cackett and Taylor Lawrence spent the Easter holidays inspiring the next generation of potential Olympians as they ran the latest instalment of their Power Speed Performance (PSP) camp at Millfield School.
Cackett and Lawrence, who both competed for Team GB at the Milan Cortina Olympics in February, ran a week-long camp in Somerset for youngsters ranging from 10 to 17, all of whom want to get better at their individual sports.
The camp took the young athletes through tips and techniques to help them get stronger, faster and more resilient, providing transferable skills that they can take back to the athletics track, gym, football, netball, rugby or hockey pitches, or even the swimming pool.
Now in its third year, PSP features guest speakers as well as direct coaching, with fellow bobsledder Ashleigh Nelson addressing the group alongside British Cycling's Milly Tanner and dietitian Sara Dawson at this year’s edition.
PSP has grown considerably in numbers since the first event and another camp is scheduled to take place this summer as Cackett and Lawrence look to spread their positive message even further.
“When we first started the PSP camp, we had no idea it would grow into what it has,” said Lawrence.
Having so many kids come to us to learn, enjoy and grow is an absolute pleasure for Greg and I.
“The feedback that we get from both the parents and the kids make it so worthwhile and spurs us on to make each camp better than the last.”
Greg Cackett (second right) & Taylor Lawrence (right) competed in Cortina
“We had more phenomenal guest speakers this Easter and, given the improvement this group of kids showed and the journeys they went on, it was probably our favourite camp so far,” added Cackett.
“There are lots of sport specific camps around but we wanted to offer something that gives kids tools they can use whatever sport or sports they do. Taylor and I didn’t start out as bobsledders - we did other sports before moving across - and we’re proof that core performance skills are so often transferable.
We had 15 participants when we ran our first camp and we had 40 attend this time around, with lots of those already also booked on for the summer. The kids come from a range of backgrounds and it’s great to see more and more people wanting to get involved.
"Watching the camp grow has been a real joy for Tay and I. We started it to teach kids speed, strength and resilience and how to take those attributes into sport and life. Seeing them make such progress throughout the week and receiving post-camp feedback that their confidence has surged is hugely vindicating.”