Maya’s masterclass

ILFORD youngster Maya Mohindra enjoyed a dream athletics masterclass with Olympic gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu, after winning a place on the Aviva UKA Academy regional training session programme.

Maya, 12, who attends Bancroft's School, was one of just 10 youngsters in attendance as Ohuruogu passed on tips, advice and ran a live session at the Lee Valley Athletics Stadium last week.

And Ohuruogu, who spent individual tuition-time with the youngster and each of the nine other children, is convinced the Aviva-funded scheme could help to uncover a future British Olympian.

"I think that is the job of every international athlete to go out and encourage children to get into sport and stay in it," she said.

"It is a one of a kind scheme and I think it will definitely get young guys and girls like Maya to continue in athletics for a long time.

"If I can give out a few technical points that can be learnt from that it is a help in itself. I want to encourage kids to run faster and jump higher and help them develop into potential future stars."

The training sessions are designed to allow children of all ages and abilities the chance to try athletics and find something that they enjoy.

And Maya, who turned her hand to sprinting, high jump, triple jump and javelin, is adamant she'd like to follow in the footsteps of Ohuruogu and represent her country at an Olympic Games.

"The sessions were really good and I learnt a lot about warming up and getting the best out of athletics," said the former Ilford Ursuline Prep School pupil.

"Christine was really friendly and made everything really fun. She has worked so hard to get where she is and she is a real inspiration."

* THE Aviva UKA Academy is a fresh new approach to grassroots sport, designed to give every child in the country the opportunity to get involved in athletics by 2012. For more information go to: www.aviva.co.uk/athletics