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BBC 5 Live: Does Sport Empower Young People?

That was the question the Sutton Tornados were invited to answer at BBC 5 live’s Sporting Day Out at Liverpool John Moores University on Thursday 31st May.

Sporting Day Out - Sutton Tornados
Sutton Tornados meet ex-Olympic swimmer, Rebecca Adlington

The cheer team joined 100 young people from Merseyside sports clubs, charity groups and schools to take part in fitness, sport and broadcasting activities, including dodgeball and a spot of TV presenting.

Sporting Day Out - Audience
Sutton Tornados ready to debate with the panel (from BBC 5 live website)

The day culminated in a debate exploring the empowerment of sport hosted by Olympic swimming bronze medallist and 5 live broadcaster Steve Parry, and featured a panel including former Olympic champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington and Team GB Taekwondo star Martin Stamper.

Sporting Day Out - Sutton Tornados
Sutton Tornados meet Team GB Taekwondo star Martin Stamper

The cheer team had the opportunity to discuss the benefits of cheerleading. This included how it empowers young people by bringing back 90% of females that drop out of school sport. As well as it being accepted, beyond its GCSE and A-level status, as a sport.