Public Speaking
How sport transformed my life...
It's 2010 in Latvia. Dad leaves our family. It's just me, my brother and my mum. We don't even have enough money to have a roof over our heads. We were shattered.
So, we moved to the UK in hopes of a better life. I left everything behind. I spoke zero English. I had zero friends. After arriving in the UK, I was lost and overwhelmed.
Fast forward to today, sport has completely changed my life. It's not the medals. It's not the accomplishments. It's the invaluable life lessons those medals have taught me.
Sport has transformed my mind, my perspective and has given me the blueprint to accomplish whatever goal I set my mind to.
What started as a pursuit to fulfil a childhood dream, turned into something much bigger than just myself. It turned into a mission. A mission to show the world that regardless of where you come from, and regardless of your circumstances, you can achieve anything.
It's now time to share this with the world...
Chasing the next medal, and the next one after that? Seems like what every athlete is doing in their selfish pursuits. I know that I can benefit the world in a much more powerful way.
By teaching kids about mental toughness. And how to learn it through sport.
By teaching kids about discipline. And how to learn it through sport.
By empowering kids to work relentlessly towards their goals. And it starts with sport.
By sharing all of the lessons that I've learned along the way and getting more kids into sport.
Sport has transformed my life and I know it can do the same for millions of young people.
Kurts came into school and provided our pupils with an exceptionally inspirational assembly.
He spoke about his own journey, the lessons he has learnt and how sport has transformed his life.
Pupils were also encouraged to talk about how to overcome challenges and see them as an opportunity rather than a negative.
The staff and pupils then reflected on this in their own classrooms, whilst Kurt's ran exciting active and informative sessions in the hall.
Our pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and many pupils have began to reflect on their mindset with many activities in school as a result of Kurt's powerful message.
St Johns R C Primary School
The key lesson from Kurt's visit - "Developing a powerful mind isn't easy, however it is achievable with time and effort."
Students develop a "tough mind" by recognising that they are fully in control of their feelings and emotions. Kurts then shared very powerful lessons from sport that have allowed him to overcome any obstacle.
Kurts then spent the afternoon with each class showing them some exercises that he does in training and they then had time for a Q&A session.
Ocker Hill Academy
On Friday 15th March, British Canoe Slalom champion Kurts Adams visited our school.
Kurt's held a whole school assembly where he took all the pupils on a thrilling journey thorough his life.
His talks were brilliant with a stand out quotation 'Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work hard!'
The children then got some hands on training in Kurt's canoe and learned how to use a paddle in smaller class sessions.
Prince Thorpe Academy
This week we've had a visit from local GB Athlete Kurt Adams. The 21 year old former Weston Road pupil is a Bronze, Silver and Gold medalist in canoe slalom.
Kurts came to speak to the children about the power of sport, the importance of hard work and a positive attitude.
Children then had a workout session which the children really enjoyed.
St Saviours Catholic Primary
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