TOP-SCORING Scottish rugby star Chris Paterson cooked-up some great moves during his career – and now he’s taking his food handling skills into the classroom.
The former Gala player is one of 130 Scottish sportsmen and women who are encouraging healthy eating amongst the nation’s youngsters.
Paterson – who was capped 109 times and scored 809 points for his country – visited Jedburgh Grammar School on Monday.
He was there as part of the Champion in Schools programme, which has the backing of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
The sporting superstar delivered an interactive workshop, promoting a healthy, balanced diet.
A cookery demonstration followed with Perthshire-based chef Steve Craik, during which students made and tasted fajitas made with Scotch beef.
Paterson also talked about how youngsters could set and achieve their goals, appreciate the value of hard work and adopt a positive, winning attitude.
He commented: “It is very rewarding to have the opportunity to come into schools and motivate and encourage kids to be active, eat a healthy, balanced diet and be the best they can be.”
Other Champions in Scotland include British downhill mountain bike champion Ben Cathro; Holly Kennedy, the world record holder for ladies’ highest jump in kite surfing and the most medalled Scottish track and field athlete, Lee McConnell.
Head of the Champions in Schools project Richard Orr said: “Sportsmen and women are so valuable to society because they can pass on crucial life messages to young people. That is why, with fantastic role-models such as Chris, we aim to be delivering the programme in every Scottish local authority region by 2014.”
Jennifer Robson of Quality Meat Scotland said: “We are delighted to continue our support of the Champions in Schools programme for the fifth year.”
It has already reached 5,000 young people in 200 schools.
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