SPORTY students from our region were straight off the starting blocks when they swapped their lessons for a programme of high-energy activities.
The pupils at The Blyth School Community College in Northumberland were put through their paces as part of National Sports Week.
A sponsored skip got day one off to a flying start. As well as raising the students’ heart rate, the activity raised money for a worthy cause, as the proceeds went to the British Heart Foundation.
The students also paid 50p each to enter a five-a-side football tournament in aid of CLIC Sargent, a children’s cancer charity, and took part in a fiercely-contested netball competition.
Other planned activities were inspired by the 2012 Games and saw the students competing in athletics, including running, shot put, discus, javelin and the high jump, together with table tennis, rounders and badminton.
In addition, a group of pupils and teachers attended a special event in Alnwick, which focused on the history of the Olympic torch and its symbolism, with past and present torches on display.
In the 1950s the tradition of inviting a famous or former athlete to be the last runner in the Olympic torch relay and to light the Olympic Cauldron was introduced.
Students and staff were delighted to be given the opportunity to be able to handle the torch carried by World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Muhammed Ali, who carried the torch in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games held in Atlanta, Georgia.
Students were afterwards invited to nominate friends, family members, teachers and coaches to be considered for the role of torch bearer of the 2012 Olympic flame.
PE teacher Richard Kirkby said: “We are delighted with the success of the week. After last year we did not think it could get much better, but the attitude of our young people this year has been excellent. It has been a joy to see them take part in activities both in their organised lessons and during their breaks.
“I think our students have taken the up and coming Olympics very much to their hearts and I know a number of students and staff members are delighted to have secured tickets to attend the 2012 event.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for some of our students to attend the event in Alnwick and both staff and students found it moving to learn about the Olympic Torch, its symbolism and relevance today.
“All students will now evaluate the event as a whole and they will be asked to submit their own personal recommendations for the ways in which the school can be involved when the Olympic Games take place in London next year.”
He added: “I think it has really brought it home to our young people that the event next year is real and, whilst not everyone will be able to attend, TV coverage will bring it into our homes and the fact that we are the hosts is something we can all be proud of.”
