BMX star Mike Mullen makes special trip to Elmstead Primary School

Rider Mike Mullen paid a visit to Elmstead Primary School as part of his work for the BMX Academy.

The group works to help children learn new skills and put them out of their comfort zone through 'BMXing'.

During his visit to the school, Mr Mullen showcased some of his tricks and taught the children the basics of riding.

Teaching - Mike Mullen showing the children the basics (Image: Credited) He also got to team up with the school to perform a daring stunt which saw him jump over three of its teachers.

Mr Mullen had a prestigious competitive career, being a six-time BMX halfpipe champion and is a former world master champion.

He has now been teaching children by helping them learn from failure, finding courage and rising above fear for the past 15 years.

During his visit to the school, he said: “By coming into schools with the BMX Academy, we're getting children out of their comfort zone and learning lots of things on bikes, but really, we're looking at their mindset.

“We're looking at how they approach a challenge, how you get through the scary part of something to achieve what you didn't realise you could do.

“I’ve been BMXing for a long time, and I'm just pleased that I can still keep riding.

“BMX excited me as a child, it changed my life and it gave me lots of great experiences, friendships and independence.

Legend - Mike Mullen (Image: Credited) “These children might find a new hobby which could enrich their lives and can empower them, but they can also have fun and learn some new tricks.”

The school funds these experiences for the children through the Elmstead Primary School Association (EPSA).

Headteacher Ian MacDonald said: “The EPSA do some great work, the fireworks event coming up is a massive fundraiser for the school.

Important - headteacher Ian MacDonald realises the importance of having influential figures such as Mike Mullen come in (Image: Credited) “They earn between £5,000 and £6,000 from the firework event, which they then put into projects for the school.

“What’s great about being able to have visitors like Mike is that we talk a lot in school about growth mindset, but seeing someone as successful as Mike saying those same messages to them causes reaction and so much enthusiasm.

Action - the children watch on as Mike shows them the way (Image: Credited) “I’m hoping it’s something they will take with them and something they will probably remember for the rest of their lives.”

The school will be holding its fireworks event on November 2.

For more information about EPSA, visit https://tinyurl.com/EPSAElmstead

To find out more about Mike and BMX Academy, visit https://tinyurl.com/BMX-Academy