09/08/2024
The day we met Paralympic Archer, Mel Clarke!
August 8th, 2024, was a day to remember for the campers at Barracudas summer camp, at Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon. There was a special buzz of excitement, as we welcomed a special guest who would leave an indelible mark on the children and staff. That guest was none other than Mel Clarke, a celebrated British Paralympic archer whose story of perseverance, skill, and resilience has inspired many. Mel's visit to Barracudas camp was part of the “Path to Paris” challenge, an initiative designed to ignite the Olympic spirit in children and encourage them to embrace physical activity.
A day of archery and inspiration
From the moment she arrived, Mel Clarke's visit brought an extra level of excitement around camp. The children and staff couldn't wait to meet her and get up close and personal to a real-life Paralympian. Every day is an adventure at Barracudas but this was something very special — a chance to meet a world-class athlete, someone who had sat on the podium at the Paralympic Games and had brought home medals for her country.
Mel joined four archery sessions throughout the day. Archery, already a popular activity at Barracudas, became the highlight of the week with Mel's expert knowledge. Children had a chance to take aim, draw their bow, and release an arrow under the watchful eye of a champion. But beyond the technical tips and tricks, what Mel offered was something far more valuable: a lesson in dedication, persistence, and the importance of following your passion.
Children had the unique opportunity to interact with Mel one-on-one. Questions came in thick and fast, ranging from the specifics of her training routine to what it felt like to win a medal on the world stage. One particularly brave camper even asked about her how she felt about not winning the gold medal, a moment that Mel handled expertly. Her response, which emphasized the importance of learning from every experience—whether it's a victory or a setback—resonated deeply with the children. They weren't just meeting a sports star; they were meeting a role model.
Sparking dreams of future champions
As the day went on, it became clear that Mel’s visit was more than just a meet-and-greet—it was a spark that ignited the dreams of future sports stars. During one of the sessions, Mel turned the tables and asked the children what they would like to win a medal for. The responses were as diverse as they were passionate: swimming, archery, football, discus, gymnastics, tennis—the list went on. Each answer was met with encouragement from Mel, who reinforced the idea that with hard work and dedication, any dream is achievable.
The children’s enthusiasm was contagious. This kind of inspiration is priceless, and it was clear that Mel’s words and actions had planted seeds of ambition that could one day grow into something extraordinary.
A glimpse of history
One of the most memorable moments of the day was when Mel allowed the children to hold her Olympic Torch from the 2012 Games and her silver medal. The torch, a symbol of the Olympic spirit and a piece of history, and we were so lucky to have the chance to hold it in our hands. The silver medal, too, was a tangible reminder of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
As children passed around these symbols of athletic excellence, it was so special to see how excited they were. For many, this was the closest they had ever been to the world of elite sports. Mel’s willingness to share these personal treasures spoke volumes about her generosity and her commitment to inspiring the next generation.
A message of encouragement
It was lovely to hear that Mel enjoyed being part of the Barracudas Summer Camp experience. "It was great to attend the Barracudas camp in Huntingdon this week," she said. "The kids and staff were fantastic—really enthusiastic and keen to take part. I had some amazing questions, and it was great to see the smiles from the children when holding my medal and torch. This camp is a fantastic way for children to have a go at lots of sports and activities—who knows, we could have had a future Olympic or Paralympic champion here too!"
Mel’s words were more than just a summary of the day’s events; they were a heartfelt message of encouragement to every child at the camp. Whether they go on to become elite athletes or pursue other dreams, the lessons they learned from Mel—about resilience, passion, and the power of believing in oneself—will stay with them for years to come.
A camp that inspires children
Karen Baynes, Director at Barracudas, also shared her thoughts on the significance of Mel’s visit. “We loved the chance to introduce children to Mel Clarke at camp. We’re all about keeping children active, engaged, and developing during the school holidays by providing new and enriching experiences. With a solid history of local athletes, we hope this will inspire the next generation to follow their passions!”
For over 30 years, Barracudas has been a leader in providing exceptional school holiday activities, and Mel Clarke’s visit was a shining example of our commitment to enriching the lives of children. Barracudas offers a wide range of activities, from sports to arts and crafts, all designed to keep children active, engaged, and learning in a fun environment. Mel’s visit added an extra layer of inspiration, creating lasting memories that the children—and staff—will cherish.
As the day drew to a close, it was clear that Mel Clarke’s visit had been a resounding success. The children left the camp not just with memories of a fun day, but with a renewed sense of what they could achieve if they set their minds to it. Whether they go on to become the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians or find success in other areas, the inspiration they received from Mel will undoubtedly play a part in their journey.
The camp itself, with its rich history of nurturing young talent and providing a safe, engaging environment for children during the school holidays, has once again demonstrated its value in the community. By bringing in role models like Mel Clarke and supporting initiatives like the Path to Paris, we aim to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation.
Memories made!
Here are some wonderful moments we captured on camp
Minnows group with the Olympic torch
Starfish group with Mel
Swordfish group with Mel
Sharks group with Mel
Barracudas group with Mel
Barracudas staff and Billy Barracuda with Mel
More information
The Path to Paris
Mel Clarke’s visit to Barracudas was part of the “Path to Paris” challenge, a virtual journey organized by Get Set, the youth engagement program by Team GB and ParalympicsGB. The challenge encourages children aged 5 to 11 to get active by completing a virtual journey around the world, powered by their own physical activity. Starting in Athens, the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games, participants travel virtually around the world, with the goal of arriving in Paris just in time for the Games.
The Path to Paris challenge is more than just a fun activity; it’s a powerful tool for encouraging children to embrace physical fitness and the Olympic values of friendship, excellence, and respect. By participating in the challenge, children not only improve their physical health but also develop a sense of global citizenship and an appreciation for the diversity and unity that the Olympic Games represent.
About Get Set and other supporting organisations
Get Set, the official Olympic and Paralympic youth engagement program for schools across the UK, has been instrumental in promoting these values since its inception. Born from the legacy of London 2012, Get Set is the longest-running Olympic and Paralympic youth engagement program, reaching thousands of young people each year and inspiring them to lead active, healthy lives.
Supporting organizations like the British Olympic Foundation, ParalympicsGB, Sport England, and Spirit of 2012 play a crucial role in making initiatives like the Path to Paris possible. The British Olympic Foundation, as the charitable arm of Team GB, is dedicated to promoting the Olympic Movement and its values to improve the wellbeing of the nation. Through stories of Team GB athletes and various national initiatives, the Foundation inspires young people to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.
ParalympicsGB, representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the summer and winter Paralympic Games, continues to inspire and challenge perceptions of disability, promoting a more inclusive society. The team’s outstanding performances on the world stage serve as a powerful reminder that excellence knows no boundaries.
Sport England, a public body committed to ensuring everyone in England can engage in sport and physical activity, invests millions each year in projects that promote active lifestyles. Their work is particularly focused on making sport accessible to groups that have traditionally been less active, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability, has the opportunity to experience the benefits of physical activity.
Finally, Spirit of 2012, the London 2012 legacy fund, continues to foster pride, positivity, and community spirit across the UK through grants for inclusive arts, sports, and volunteering activities. By supporting initiatives that bring people together, Spirit of 2012 ensures that the legacy of the London 2012 Games lives on, improving the wellbeing of individuals and communities alike.
Read all about it! We even got a special mention in the local news!