Fresh from Paris, Olympic champions Luke Greenbank and Anna Hopkin visited the Better West View leisure centre in Ribbleton for an afternoon of fun with children on a holiday play scheme.

Both are world-class swimmers, who between them have gold, silver and bronze medals from the Tokyo Olympics.

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While Luke hails from Crewe, Anna comes from Chorley and regularly took part in competitions at West View in her younger years.

The pair mixed and mingled with more than eighty young people, answering questions about their careers, describing their own ‘star-struck’ moments with Usain Bolt and Jamie Oliver, and enjoyed the pizza and ice cream party.

Michael Manley, the regions Better’s Partnership Manager, said: “It was a fantastic event and we’re very grateful to Luke and Anna for coming along to inspire the next generation of sporting talent.”

The event was a joint initiative between West View, Street Games and Team GB’s Change Maker initiative.

West View leisure centre is run by charitable social enterprise GLL, under the ‘Better’ brand. The organisation also operates a renowned sports foundation – GSF – supporting talented athletes in developing their careers. Both Luke and Anna have previously been recipients of GSF funding.

The play scheme – HAF (holiday activity and food camp) – is a government initiative for young people who are eligible for free school meals. Participants enjoy taking part in activities over the Summer while also receiving a free meal.

Spring North CIC who funds the HAF scheme in central Lancashire have described West View’s offering as ‘exceptionally good’.

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