Inspirational Assembly – Mrs Cooper

On Friday 28th March as part of Health week year 7 and 8 students were treated to an inspirational assembly led by former Bushey Meads Student and GB Disability athlete Michael Pope.

Michael currently works for the UK Dwarf sports association; who help to provide grass roots opportunities in sport for those with dwarfism, and to educate and inform society about disability and inclusion.

Year 7 and 8 listened intently to Michaels’ story through sport. Michael was born with Dwarfism, or ‘short-stature’, and was educated in a mainstream primary school before joining Bushey Meads from years 7-13. Michael went on to University undertaking a degree and masters in Sports

 Studies. He explained to the students that he wasn’t the most academic of young people and found both English and Maths challenging. However he found a love for sport and because of this pushed himself in his studies so that he could go on to foster a career in sport. After university he went on to become a strength and conditioning coach working with elite athletes, Mavericks Netballers and Arsenal Ladies amongst some, in both able-bodied and disability fields.

In recent months Michael has presented to FIFA (world governing body for football) regarding an inclusion policy, as well as presenting to the government on the impact of the proposed disability funding cuts.

Michael spoke to the students about his experiences and the challenges he has experienced both in life and sport. Having travelled the world as an elite para-athlete, Michael explained about the support teams needed; nutritionists, physios, psychologists and strength and conditioning coaches giving the students a real insight into top level sport.  Michael, impressively, still holds, for his classification the European records for both discus and shot put.

Most of the students present in the assembly would not have been alive during the Summer of 2012 to witness the London Olympics and Paralympic Games. Michael was part of the relay procession that took the torch through NW London on its journey to the Olympic stadium. Michael went on to explain about the massive impact these global events had on the awareness and understanding of disability sport. Unfortunately Michael was too young to compete at London 2012, missing out 

by just 1 week, and although selected for the Rio 2016 Paralympic games he suffered a major injury which stopped his participation.

Further to the assembly Michael then led two workshops, firstly to selected students in year 9, those who have demonstrated interest and enthusiasm in PE and the world of sport. Students in year 10 and 11, who were invited, all study sports related 

examination courses and Michael’s insight into both elite and disability sport was great to reinforce the knowledge they are taught regarding these aspects of their courses. 

The students, in both the assembly and workshops, were  invited to ask Michael any questions about his journey and disability. Some well considered questions were asked and it was clear to see the students had listened to what Michale had spoken to them about.

We would like to thank Michael for giving up his time to deliver what was a truly informative and

 interesting assembly, and two great workshops.

This coupled with the fantastic days sporting events really helped to finish a successful Health Week 2025.