Youngsters at Peterhead Academy learned how to cook meals fit for the Nation’s sports stars. They followed recipes provided by some of the top chefs in football, rugby and athletics

British Olympic swimmer Robbie Renwick also shared his advice on the benefits of healthy eating. The aim of the lunch was to promote healthy eating by demonstrating how important diet is to people competing in professional sport.

 The Active Schools event was held in conjunction with the Buchan Feeling Good Festival, and the S3 children cooked meals such as boiled chicken and pasta, chicken pizza melts and chorizo pasta with mixed vegetables.

 Top football clubs such as Peterhead, Aberdeen, Celtic and Rangers shared some of their dietary tips, while the Scottish Rugby Union also provided details of meal plans followed by top rugby professionals.

 Peterhead Football Club manager Jim McInally was one of those on hand to witness the cooking of the meals, while supporters of the Active Schools programme – Gillanders Motors – also unveiled a notice board promoting the activities of the programme.

 Local social enterprise company Cfine – who promote the consumption of fruit, vegetables, pulses and other healthy products – provided some of the ingredients that the pupils used when cooking the various recipes.

 Chair of Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, Councillor Isobel Davidson, said: “This is a great event to show the many benefits of healthy eating. Many of these teenagers will have aspirations to follow a sporting career, and this lunch will allow them to develop first-hand knowledge of how important a healthy diet is.

 “Being able to cook healthy meals is a skill which can be so important in following a fit and active lifestyle, and we hope the children enjoy this experience and take a lot away from the sporting lunch.”

 Vice-chair of the committee, Councillor Ron McKail, added: “This event looks like being great fun for all involved. Finding out how their sporting idols are able to supplement their sports training will inspire them to follow their own healthy lifestyle.

 “This event shows the great work being done by the Active Schools programme, and activities like these can only help encourage others to follow a fit and active lifestyle.”

 Malcolm Grant, Active Schools Coordinator, is keen to hear from any volunteers interested in getting involved in after-school sport, and added: “Along with the schools and supporters like Gillanders Motors, we deliver a wide range of activities and sports in the local community.

 “These require good quality coaching, organisation and levels of progression to ensure that the pupils can benefit from the sporting opportunities that exist in the Buchan area. We would like to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.”

 Peterhead Academy and Mintlaw Academy are both accepting new applications to the programmes and details can be found at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/recreation/active_schools/groups/peterhead_network.asp .

 Further information can be gained by contacting Malcolm on 07733 001894 or emailing malcolm.grant@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 

Well done to all involved 🙂