Skateboard champ visits university (From Crewe Guardian)

Skateboard champ visits university

9:49am Monday 17th December 2012 in News

BRITISH skateboard champion, Neil Danns, delivered an inspirational message to students in Crewe.

Neil, who is also a Eurovision Song Contest choreographer, encouraged young people at Manchester Metropolitan’s Cheshire campus to reach for their dreams.

Neil presented students with videos of his skateboarding and dancing at international events, and talked of his experiences touring the world with famous personalities such as Tony Hawk, the legendary American skateboarder who lends his name to a series of well-known computer games.

Neil’s presentation focused on the skills needed to achieve success, which he defined as “mental toughness, hunger to achieve, people skills, sports and life knowledge, breaking barriers and planning for successes.”

The champion boarder is involved in MMU’s Make the Future: a student-led initiative in the department of interdisciplinary Studies at MMU Cheshire, which gives pupils the opportunity to work with community groups or projects to benefit the local area.

Fiona Burgess, postgraduate student and project manager of Make the Future, said: “It was a real treat just to take the time to listen to Neil’s fascinating story.

“He has been on an amazing adventure and although I haven't achieved a quarter of what Neil has, he made me think about what I have achieved, and where I am now.

“The young people we are working with have really engaged with our programme, and Neil has really brought home to the group that they are achieving small goals every week, and growing in confidence with each one.”

While on campus, Neil, who was born in Toxteth, Liverpool, and was one of five children, said, “I love the atmosphere on this campus. The students are here because they want to be here and it really shows.”