Pupils from Ormsgill School had the opportunity to learn from Isla Ward, a national junior alpine ski champion.

The fitness circuit session was part of the Sports for Champions initiative and resulted in raising nearly £1,000 towards sports equipment for the school.

From reception to Year 6, the children enjoyed taking part in the session.

Hailing from Glasgow, Ms Ward shared her sporting experiences, answered questions about her career, lifestyle, and training regime, and posed for photos.

The skier said she wakes at 3am to exploit ideal icy conditions.

She also revealed that the chilly temperatures can reach as low as minus 20 degrees when she skies, that she loves travelling the world, and that she can speak some French.

Ms Ward mentioned her inspiration comes from the perseverance of other skiers and her younger sister.

The children then challenged her to unicycle and juggle simultaneously, a skill she she claims aids her balance and alleviates pre-race anxiety.

The Mail: Isla Ward shows her balance and focus to the children by riding a unicycle and juggling at the same timeIsla Ward shows her balance and focus to the children by riding a unicycle and juggling at the same time (Image: Supplied)

This first visit to Barrow was an enjoyable one for Ms Ward, and she positively recalled her interaction with the pupils at Ormsgill School, part of the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.

Ms Ward said: "Most children do a sport and I want to show them that if you enjoy it and keep pushing anything is possible.

"This applies to any sport but it would be lovely if I could inspire one to give skiing a go.

"Athletes need to work hard and be dedicated and these skills are needed in every area of life.

"I want them to see the journey I have been on and to encourage their enjoyment of sport."

Ms Ward's awards, including her English Alpine Champion medal and a medal from the New Zealand National Championships, were brought in for pupils to see.

Chloe Taylor, Ormsgill School’s PE lead and organiser of the event, expressed delight at the amount the children raised for the school.

Ms Taylor said: "They have been so enthusiastic about the visit and I will be meeting with the sport leaders in Year 5 and 6 who will conduct a survey of what new equipment they want.

"Pupils should be doing at least 30 minutes of activity a day outside PE so they are thinking of getting some new items to use in our playground."

In total, the event resulted in more than £2,000 in sponsorships, a percentage going towards new equipment and the remaining funds going towards supporting athletes' training and competition expenses.