Even if one child enjoys the videos that would make a positive impact

Even if one child enjoys the videos that would make a positive impact

1 April 2020

A NEWCASTLE sports coach is making a big effort to keep children active at home, despite the coronavirus outbreak.

Graham Crory is the man behind ActiSport, a sports business tailored to meeting the needs of schoolchildren.

The business took a massive hit following the closure of local schools, but Graham is determined to continue providing an opportunity for kids to keep active. 

His new interactive videos have been viewed by lots of local kids and have managed to keep the kids active at a time when it’s proving ever more difficult to keep the young ones busy. 

Graham said his regular business disappeared overnight when the schools closed and that the last income he had was before St Patrick’s Day.

He said he had intended to work in schools up until the Easter holidays and then run his successful Easter camps in Newcastle, Downpatrick, Ballynahinch and Kilkeel, which normally attract 100 children each.

“The Easter break is a big one for me because it’s the start of the good weather and it’s always very popular,” he said. “Parents want their kids out being active and having fun.”

He says his new home exercise videos are for children, who would normally enjoy exercise at home, with the help of green screen and his imagination.

“I’ll not make anything out of it unless I become a YouTube sensation,” he continued. “A lot of the kids I visit 

in schools are sending videos and pictures back to me saying it’s brilliant that I’m making these videos and they’re glad they’re getting to do ActiSport at home.

“Unfortunately, this is a free service I am providing to keep the kids active. As it stands I have no income, but I feel like I’m doing the right thing by continuing to provide a chance for the kids to enjoy sports.

“That’s keeping me going mentally. I’m giving something back, even though unfortunately I’m not getting anything for it. For the foreseeable future I will have zero income.

“I’ve always wanted to coach so no matter what I’m getting for it I will continue to do it. Coaching is my passion.”

Graham’s videos include stories and journeys which are educational, as well as encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

“With the schools closing, I found myself wanting to do what I can to help kids through these difficult times,” he said. “To do this I knew I had to try to keep the kids active, to help them both physically and mentally.

“I thought that even if one child could enjoy the videos that would make a positive impact. Fortunately the messages and comments are coming in by the dozens, so it seems there are plenty getting the benefit from it.

“My long-term plan is to aim towards the summer. I don’t know if anything will come up in between, but I’m planning for summer camps and getting back into the swing of things when I can.”

Graham is currently working on video number 5 and says he has many fun and interesting journeys for the kids to look forward to.

You can view Graham’s videos on his YouTube channel ActiSport Kids.