Commonwealth Champion Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker Sparks Junior Parkrun Excitement
Commonwealth Champion Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker Sparks Junior Parkrun Excitement
Kettering Buccleuch Academy hosted the Mintridge & Johnny Reynolds Foundations for a Memorable Visit with Para-Athlete Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker- December 2025
Setting the Scene
On a crisp December morning at Kettering Buccleuch Academy, students gathered with excitement to welcome a very special guest. Thanks to the partnership between the Mintridge Foundation and the Johnny Reynolds Foundation, Para sprinter Emmanuel Oyinbo-Coker spent the day at the school, sharing his journey, his experiences, and his passion for sport. The day also saw several Johnny Reynolds Foundation trustees joining in, taking part in the activities and supporting the sessions.
Before the day officially began, Emmanuel was introduced to two students who he will be mentoring for the next six months. Both students had the opportunity to join him throughout the visit, helping to lead sessions for Years 5 and 6 and will continue to support and encourage the younger students on their journey of running and sport.
Primary Objective
During the Primary Assembly, Emmanuel spoke openly about his path in athletics and the challenges he has overcome. He also announced that he would be taking part in a Junior ParkRun, encouraging as many pupils as possible to join him for the event.
Getting Everyone Involved
The practical sessions that followed gave students the chance to get moving.
Emmanuel emphasised the importance of proper warm-ups, guiding pupils through stretches and dynamic exercises before getting stuck into a hoop game and a lively dodgeball session. The involvement of the trustees brought an extra level of encouragement and enthusiasm to the morning’s activities.
The day wrapped up with a focused workshop for a group of selected Year 7 students, offering them the chance to ask questions and learn more about Emmanuel’s approach to training, mindset, and goal-setting.
A huge thank you to the staff and pupils at Kettering Buccleuch Academy for welcoming the Mintridge Foundation back and helping make the visit a great success.
A Special Thanks
We are incredibly grateful to the Johnny Reynolds Foundation for their unwavering support — not just in funding the day, but the whole programme and in being present and engaged throughout. Their incredible legacy continues to bring sporting opportunities to young people in areas where sport can feel like something other people do and is watched from afar on TV.
The Johnny Reynolds Foundation is a registered charity that exists to help children and young adults realise their dreams in sport. Continuing the collaboration with the Mintridge Foundation in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas is a testament to what can happen when vision and opportunity meet.
Final Thoughts
Particular thanks to Laura Terrett from the Kettering Buccleuch Academy for the time and energy that is put into the day, alongside Louise Davidson and Daniel Gill from the Primary school, liaising and ensuring the best day was had by all. Without these teachers getting behind it, none of it would be possible.
Thank you to the Mintridge staff for enabling the day to run so smoothly as well!
If you are an individual that is interested in applying for funding from the Johnny Reynolds Foundation, follow the link below. Be it a new pair of rugby boots, a new tennis racket, a donation towards a sports tour or an experience, the trustees will carefully chose worthy recipients with the stipulation it must be appreciated and valued at the same high level of enthusiasm, pride and fun that Johnny would want the recipient to enjoy! Applications to come through teachers / sports coaches or instructors proposing suitable candidates with a 50 miles radius from Brigstock, Northamptonshire.
About Us:
The Mintridge Foundation is a UK-wide charity dedicated to turbo-boosting young people's development and opportunities through the transformative power of sports. Our innovative programs and collaborations inspire, mentor, and guide the next generation to thrive.
