ENFIELD youngster Dionne Mpela enjoyed a dream athletics masterclass with Olympic gold medallist Christine Ohuruogu, after winning a place on the Aviva UKA Academy regional training session programme.

Dionne, 13, from St Anne’s Catholic High School, was one of just ten youngsters in attendance, as Ohuruogu passed on tips, advice and ran a live session at the Lee Valley Athletics Stadium.

The Aviva UKA Academy is a fresh new approach to grassroots sports, designed to give every child in the country the opportunity to get involved in athletics by London 2012.

And Ohuruogu, who spent individual tuition-time with Dionne and each of the nine other children, is convinced the Aviva-funded scheme could help to uncover a future British Olympian.

“I think that is the job of every international athlete, to go out and encourage children to get into sport and stay in it,” said Ohuruogu.

“It is a one of a kind scheme and I think it will definitely get young guys and girls like Dionne to continue in athletics for a long time.

“If I can give out a few technical points that can be learnt from, that is a help in itself. I want to encourage kids to run faster and jump higher, and help them develop into potential future stars.”

The training sessions are designed to allow children of all ages and abilities the chance to try athletics and find something that they enjoy.

And Dionne, who turned her hand to sprinting, high jump, long jump and javelin, is adamant she’d like to follow in the footsteps of Ohuruogu and represent her country at an Olympic Games. “Everything has been so much fun and I really enjoyed meeting Christine, and she is such an inspiration to everyone,” said Dionne – who trains for the 200m at Enfield and Haringey AC.

* Dionne attended an Aviva UKA Academy training session with top Aviva GB&NI Team athlete Christine Ohuruogu at the Lee Valley Athletics Stadium. The Aviva UKA Academy is a fresh new approach to grassroots sport, designed to give every child in the country the opportunity to get involved in athletics by 2012. For more information go to www.aviva.co.uk/athletics