SPORTS students have had their horizons expanded beyond their wildest dreams thanks to a life-changing trip to Brazil.
Sixteen Darlington College students on the Level 3 sports coaching and sport and exercise science courses have just returned from a two week trip to Rio inspired by their South American adventure.
Canoeing in the shadow of the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain, climbing up to see the Christ the Redeemer statue and attending a football match at the Maracana Stadium, alongside 80,000 fans, were just some of the highlights of their momentous visit.
The teenagers got to take high ropes gymnastics lessons at the Rio 2016 Olympic Stadium, practise the dance martial art of Capoeira, play foot volley and futsal, learn Samba and soak up the exotic wildlife and rich culture of Brazil, thanks to funding from the Turing Scheme, which promotes studying abroad. They also visited the famous Ipanema, Lemme and Copacabana beaches, as well as the federal and state universities.
Gabby Helsop, 17, of Northallerton, said: “It was absolutely amazing. I feel I have dreamed it all. The sports culture over there really stood out, it is so different from here. People were really nice, so welcoming.
“I used to be really sporty when I was younger and performing gymnastic over there has inspired me to get back into my sport. One day I hope to be a personal trainer because I like the idea of motivating other people.”
Seb Coltan, 17, of Yarm, who hopes to become a football physiotherapist, said: “The trip has really opened my eyes to working and studying abroad. I realise now there’s a big world out there. At the football match everyone was bouncing and we got caught up in the atmosphere.”
Olivia Mather, 16, of Northallerton, who is also considering physiotherapy, added: “It was great bonding with the other students on the trip and I loved experiencing a different culture that was so happy and lively.
“I always wanted to travel but hadn’t been outside of Europe. This has made me want to go further afield. The memory of the trip continues to inspire me. It has also helped me appreciate where sport can take me.”
Senior lecturer in sport Andy Manners said: “It was great to see the students being exposed to something so different.
“One student had never been away from home, others hadn’t flown and many certainly hadn’t been to South America, so the trip represented a lot of firsts for these young people who were able to share amazing experiences. The students were fantastic, so well behaved, and got such a lot from the trip. They will remember every second.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.
