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Pierre Henry Fontaine: Inspirational basketball player is a slam dunk with pupils at Thorley Hill Primary School




Inspirational basketball player Pierre Henry Fontaine put Thorley Hill Primary School pupils through their paces.

The 6ft 4in athlete, now retired, spoke at assembly before leading a 20-minute circuits session which raised almost £2,000.

He was representing Sports For Champions UK (CIC), which will receive half the cash.

Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School

The 42-year-old player, from South Acton in London, was at the vanguard of basketball as a sport in the UK and became a hoopster at the age of 12.

He worked his way up through the ranks of the junior circuit to a big league swingman and England international until injury ended his career on the court.

He then set up a fitness and personal training company to help aspiring athletes succeed.

Former England basketball player Pierre Henry Fontaine talking to pupils
Former England basketball player Pierre Henry Fontaine talking to pupils

Pierre stepped in at the last minute to replace Welsh international footballer and former Reading women’s captain Lily Woodham, who has flown to the USA to join National Women’s Soccer League club Seattle Reign this month.

Thorley Hill assistant head Claire Stafford said Pierre entertained staff and students with his skills and was happy to answer a barrage of questions.

“We raised £1,950.05 to support young athletes of today build their skills and experience across the world,” she said.

“All staff took part on the day and children from Reception to Year 6. It was amazing and the children had a lovely experience with Pierre.”

Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine talking to pupils
Pierre Henry Fontaine talking to pupils
Pierre Henry Fontaine talking to pupils
Pierre Henry Fontaine talking to pupils
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Thorley Hill Primary School, Park Lane, Bishop’s Stortford – former England basketball player Pierre Henry-Fontaine talking to pupils and taking them through basic circuits as part of a fundraiser. Picture: Vikki Lince
Thorley Hill Primary School, Park Lane, Bishop’s Stortford – former England basketball player Pierre Henry-Fontaine talking to pupils and taking them through basic circuits as part of a fundraiser. Picture: Vikki Lince
Thorley Hill Primary School, Park Lane, Bishop’s Stortford – former England basketball player Pierre Henry-Fontaine talking to pupils and taking them through basic circuits as part of a fundraiser. Picture: Vikki Lince
Thorley Hill Primary School, Park Lane, Bishop’s Stortford – former England basketball player Pierre Henry-Fontaine talking to pupils and taking them through basic circuits as part of a fundraiser. Picture: Vikki Lince
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School
Pierre Henry Fontaine at Thorley Hill Primary School

All pictures by Vikki Lince. To buy copies, please go to https://www.photos.iliffemedia.co.uk/f79877998.



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