Swimming legend David Davies is one of Wales’ greatest ever Olympians, winning medals at Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008, as well as Commonwealth Games gold.
Now a dad of two, he told us his hopes for his daughters’ sport at school and his own experience of sport outside the classroom.
Sport will always be such a big part of my life and I wouldn’t want it any other way for my two daughters.
Isla is two years-old and Halle is only one, but me and my wife have already started to get them into some good habits. We’ve actually been quite surprised by how much they’ve benefitted already – particularly Isla.
A bit predictable perhaps but we take them swimming once a week. Me and Laura (David’s wife) are both swimming instructors so it’s only right we practice what we preach. The girls love it though and we know more than anyone how important it is to learn to swim.
We’ve been going to ballet and gymnastics recently as well. The thing that really struck me was how shy Isla was in her first class, but how she’s really engaged with the other kids and we’ve seen the change in her socially.
Physically and mentally sport can do so much for children.
My big hope is that they’ll have the chance to try lots of different sport at school as well. I think variety is important and I just want them to enjoy.
I think a school with good quality PE and sport is really important. I was lucky because my school encouraged sport and I did cross country, gymnastics and basketball, as well as swimming. Sport brought me new friends but also other skills that have stuck with me.
I’ve got my own swim school now but I’m also doing different sports and different challenges now that I’ve retired from swimming. I think that the love of sport has stuck with me since school and I’m relishing trying new things.
Would I have been as likely to try different sports now if I didn’t get that love of sport at school? What I do know is that PE and school sport gave me the skills and confidence to be able to make that choice.
David and is Daughter Isla have been having a go at some our Physical Literacy Summer activities. They're having loads of fun, and so can you...
David and is Daughter Isla have been having a go at some our Physical Literacy Summer activities. They're having loads of fun, and so can you...
Over the next month, we will release a total of 8 activity cards and short films from our Play to Learn resource that detail short games and challenges that can be undertaken at home, in the garden, at the local park or swimming pool and even on holiday.
So parents, grandparents, child-minders and anyone looking after a young child these summer holidays get yourself to our physical literacy webpages and start downloading now. Each week we will be adding new activities.
COMPETITION: We have a number of Physical Literacy parent packs, including lots of activity equipment waiting to go to good homes. To be in with a chance of claiming one, complete all 8 activities with your little ones and either tweet or email some pictures of them taking part. Tweet us on @sport_wales using #PhysicalLiteracyCymru or email physicalliteracy@sportwales.org.uk
For more information on Swim Champs Swim School, including open water and triathlon pembinaan visit www.swimchamps.co.uk
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