World record holding sailor Mike Perham visits Arnett Hills
World record holding sailor Mike Perham visits Arnett Hills
1:39pm Tuesday 6th July 2010
By Adam Binnie
Pupils at Arnett Hills JMI School in Rickmansworth were visited by a world-record holding sailor today, for a motivational talk on achieving your dreams.
Mike Perham became the youngest person to sail single-handedly around the world last year aged 17.
Now 18, the sailor from Potters Bar talked to year five and six students at the Berry Lane school, and showed a film of his epic sea voyage.
The children, aged ten and eleven, also took turns to write their dreams on a large poster which will be displayed in the school.
Mr Perham said: “If they can look at the poster in a week and say 'I'm working towards that' or 'I've already done it' then that'll be excellent.”
He added that having a Guinness World Record on the wall at home was great and recommended it.
Tracey Ali, headteacher, said: “He told them that if you have a dream or goal, whatever it is, it doesn't matter if it is sport or not, to just go for it.
“It’s been great having a world-record holder come to our school for the day, the pupils have been inspired by how much Mike has achieved at such a young age.”
Mr Perham will be visiting a series of schools over the coming months as part of the 'Live the Dream' programme from VocaLink, who sponsored his round the world sail.
Sarah Shepherd, year six teacher, said: “It's motivational and good for the children to set their own goals, even if it seems impossible to achieve.
“They've really enjoyed listening to him, it's not often they get someone so inspirational come in to talk to them.”
Round-the-world record holder visits Bradford Lighthouse Group
Round-the-world record holder visits Bradford Lighthouse Group
9:31am Wednesday 20th January 2010
Mike Perham, who last year became the youngest person to sail solo around the globe, has given an inspirational talk to excluded young people in Bradford.
The 17-year-old, who sailed single-handedly across the Atlantic at the age of 14, visited youngsters at Bradford-based The Lighthouse Group (TLG).
The teenager spent five months at sea and travelled about 30,000 nautical miles to complete his round-the-world voyage.
Mike visited the charity as part of his ‘Live the dream’ programme, which aims to encourage young people to achieve the extraordinary.
Teenagers at the charity were shown footage of his round-the-world trip before being asked about their own dreams.
Mike said: “I’m a normal guy but if you put your mind to something and remain focused then anything is possible.
“I started off as a complete unknown, I approached thousands of sponsors but the only reason I got sponsors to buy into the project was because they could see the passion behind my dream.
“There were times during my trip when I thought ‘what am I doing?’ I have learned that you have to remain positive.
“Hopefully through my stories I can show dreams can be achieved.”
Tim Morfin, chief executive of TLG, said: “Mike connected with the young people in a way only a young person can. He’s a teenager and has shown he really is just an ordinary guy who has done an extraordinary thing. His visit struck a chord with one of the single biggest issues for young people here. They have lost hope because of the circumstances they have experienced. What Mike has done is show them it’s possible to have hope.” Amie Gallagher, 16, of Holme Wood, said: “Mike’s an inspiration and he’s only a year older than me. I’d like to go to Africa and work with street children.”
Sailor's inspiration for St Albans school
Sailor's inspiration for St Albans school : 18:57 - 18 December 2009
A TEENAGE record breaker who sailed around the world this summer sought to inspire his peers during a trip to a St Albans secondary school. 17-year-old Mike Perham, who rose to fame in August when he became the youngest person to sail solo around the world, encouraged pupils at St Albans High School for Girls to chase their dreams when he visited the school recently.
Mike Perham Interview (Service to Sport Awards October 2009)
David Croft interviewing youngest person to sail single handedly around the world, Mike Perham, at the Herts Sports Partnership Service to Sports Awards, October 2009.
Hong Kong - September 2009
With students at Hong Kong Island School after giving a talk on my around the world sailing adventure.
Speaking at the Hong Kong Yacht Club
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