'Outstanding' Torquay Girls' Grammar School courts sponsors in efforts to net a new badminton Sports Hall

Torquay Girls' Grammar School's current gym is a testament to the builders of the day.

"Unfortunately that day was in 1939 and the single badminton court-sized gym can only be described as small and sad. It was designed to be used by only 120 girls, some of whom, on returning after more than half a century, recognise the same wall bars and ropes as either old friends or instruments of torture.

"The gym cannot cope with the sporting demands of our 860 girls. Parts of it are crumbling, parts of it are mouldy, parts of it are absent (no showers) and all parts are smelly. This is hardly surprising after seventy-two years of loyal service.

"We have the site, the plans and the planning pre-application for a four badminton court Sports Hall, with fitness suite, classroom and amenities. We hope to raise £100,000 to support a bid to the Department of Education.

"I am sure you are aware that there were no women shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year recently! This was despite many worthy female candidates who had arguably achieved greater feats than some candidates listed. Chrissie Wellington, four times world champion tri-athlete, is a deserving example.

"Our girls are rightly outraged by this turn of events, so I have encouraged them to respond by becoming either (i) the future editor of a publication entitled to vote for the award; or (ii) a world champion sportswoman that they cannot ignore. As an outstanding school (Ofsted, September 2011), I know we can give our girls the motivation, the skills and the guidance to fulfil either of these ambitions.

"Unfortunately, as our flyer clearly shows, we cannot provide them with the facilities to become champion sportswomen.

"We desperately need a Sports Hall - and feel the fact that we do not have one is an extension of the discrimination highlighted by the Award. Your sponsorship would support our efforts to enable girls to improve their fitness, participate in sport and perhaps have the chance to become future world champions. "These girls will become tommorow's leaders and your sponsorship would resonate in their minds".

Contact: Dr Nicholas Smith, Headteacher

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