SIR ANDY MAKES US APP-Y
High school pupils scoop tennis star’s health challenge prize
Students at a Renfrewshire high school will launch their own fitness app after winning a health challenge set up by tennis star Sir Andy Murray.
Pupils from Park Mains High, Erskine, beat- off stiff competition to nab first place prize in the Digi Inventors Challenge for their idea to develop an app that encourages young people and their families to enjoy healthy living at home.
Announced by Sir Andy, following his sell-out match with Rodger Federer at the SSE Hydro, the winning team received £2,000 for their school, new personal tech and the chance to have their idea turned into a reality.
In front of a stadium of thousands, judges commended the group – who named themselves Enpower Fitness – for their high quality professional pitch, and the enthusiasm each member showed by working together to build a working prototype.
They also recognised the potential of the app to transform lives by focussing on the family as a whole, and not just individuals.
Sir Andy said the Park Mains pupils were deserving of the win and congratulated them on their fantastic effort.
He said: “We hoped that the next generation of innovators would rise to the challenge and they’ve certainly done that.
“Improving the health and fitness of everyone in Scotland, not just young people, is really important to me personally, so it’s great that the winning idea is an app that could help the whole family to improve their wellbeing together.
“I congratulate all the entrants for their creativity and hard work and look forward to seeing even more excellent ideas in 2018.”
The inaugural Digi Inventors Challenge, launched by Sir Andy in partnership with the Digital Health and Care Institute ( DHI), aims to find breakthroughs in digital health and inspire a future generation of innovators.
The troupe of winning S5 pupils, Luisa Steele, Adam Hazel, Craig Kennedy and Connor Wilson, will see their family fitness app design developed into a prototype by DHI and European leader in digital transformation, Sopra Steria.
Support will also be sought from businesses and investors with a view to commercialising the successful solution.
Fellow member and Enpower Fitness mentor, Olivia Bell, who is active schools and community club development officer, said she is delighted the pupils have achieved such an invaluable opportunity.
She said: “The Digi Inventors Challenge has inspired a very talented group of our pupils to collaborate on a project that has tested their creativity, leadership, communication and presentation skills.
“The creation of the group’s app will allow pupils to utilise technology that is already at their fingertips to enhance the health and wellbeing of our school and community.
“The students really enjoyed the chance to be able to develop something that will help with an important issue that affects us all, while also developing new skills such as teamwork, for themselves.”