Schools Get Set for Games with visit from sporting stars

 

Staffordshire schools are leading the field in preparing for the Olympic Games, sporting legend David Moorcroft has learned during a visit to the county.

 

More schools in Staffordshire are committed to marking the games than anywhere else in the Midlands.

 

Sixty five per cent of Staffordshire’s 400 schools are taking part in the Get Set 2012 programme.

 

Many of these are part of the Get Set Network – meaning they are planning their own events and can take advantage of a range of 2012 opportunities.

 

David Moorcroft, ex-Olympic GB runner and Commonwealth gold medallist, was joined by experienced Paralympic athlete Ian Marsden at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Rugeley. David also visited St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Hednesford. Both are the latest schools to register for the Get Set programme.

 

St Joseph’s Hednesford: Pictured are the school’s Olympic ambassadors India Toon, nine,
Joe Chave, ten, David Moorcroft, Millie Rawlings, nine, and Luke Hill. 

The athletes spoke to the pupils about their sporting experiences and how young people could get involved in a variety of activities leading up to the games.

 

 St Joseph’s (Hednesford) Olympic ambassadors
with David Moorcroft.

Cabinet member for communities and culture Ben Adams said: “The Get Set programme is a great way for school pupils to get involved in the 2012 games at a local level and really feel like they’re playing a part, either by organising their own sporting events or marking the games in other ways.

 

St Joseph’s Rugeley: (left front), Morgan Trous,10, Jack Newbold,11, David Moorcroft,
Jack Nichols, 11, Sarah Radcliffe, 10 and centre Ian Mardston.

 

“In Staffordshire we are leading the Midlands in the number of schools participating which is a real success story.

“There are all kinds of events and initiatives between now and the when the games begin which will ensure the event is having a positive impact on our young people.

“It’s great to have David and Ian on board to encourage and inspire children in our schools. We look forward to many more signing up.”

 

David Moorcroft, who is now chair of the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games. said: “The schools I’ve visited are excellent examples of how London 2012 is helping to spark young people’s imagination and inspiring them to get involved and make a difference.

“They have clearly demonstrated that London 2012’s education programme extends far beyond PE and sport and I hope they will motivate other young people to join their journey.”

 

Both schools have held events such as a mini-Olympics, organised Olympic competitions and assemblies and invited guests in to speak to the children.

 

Headteacher at St Joseph’s Primary in Rugeley Kath McNally said: “We’re delighted to have joined the programme and look forward to holding future events as part of the build-up to the Games.”

 

People can find out more about Get Set by visiting: www.london2012.com/getset 

 

Anyone wanting to find out more about how Staffordshire is playing its part in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games please contact: Chris Kirkland, Staffordshire Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games on 01785 854595 or chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk

 

Chris Kirkland
Staffordshire Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games
T: 01785 854595
E: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk