Staffordshire pupil wins trip to 2008 Paralympic Games

Ten-year-old Reece Berrisford from St Peter’s C of E (Aided) Primary School in Caverswall, Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating after having won a five-day trip to the Beijing Paralympic Games which run from 6-17 September.

The Visa Trip Package includes flights and accommodation, tickets to the Opening Ceremony and sporting events, along with visits to key cultural and tourist sites.

St Peter’s Primary School was one of the first to register their details on the London 2012 Paralympic Handover website: all schools which registered by 25 June were entered into a draw to win the trip to Beijing. 

As the winner had to be aged at least 10 years in September, Headteacher Adrian Dipple held a draw to select one child from the pupils in Year 5. 

As part of the school’s prize, a team from London 2012 visited St Peter’s Primary School earlier today (17^th July) to help the whole school plan their Paralympic Handover celebrations.

County Councillor Maureen Compton, who is one of the Staffordshire representatives for the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games said: “Congratulations to Reece! This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the Paralympic Games first hand. The Paralympic Handover marks the start build up to the London 2012 Games and the beginning of the London 2012 Education Programme.  The Paralympic Handover offers a unique opportunity for schools and colleges to be a part of the celebrations.  It is not too late for schools to register for an online education resource developed by London 2012 to help support children and young people in planning and leading celebrations on 17 September. “

Reece, who will be accompanied by his father, Mark Berrisford, will assume the role of reporter during his trip to Beijing.  He will take photos and write blogs for the London 2012 website to share his experience with his fellow pupils and other young people across the UK.

Reece Berrisford said: ‘It's a fantastic opportunity, not many children get the chance to visit China and attend the Paralympic Games. I am very excited about the trip and am looking forward to my new job as a reporter!'’

Pictured above: Reece Berrisford from St Peter’s C of E (Aided) Primary School in Caverswall

Headteacher, Adrian Dipple added: ‘We are thrilled that our school won the prize and delighted that Reece has been given this opportunity.  We are excited about the countdown to the London 2012 Games, and the Paralympic Handover event will give our preparations a fantastic start.  We are expecting Reece to come back with fantastic tales of his adventure in Beijing.’

The Paraylympic Handover education resource is available to schools and colleges at: www.london2012.com/paralympichandover.

To find out more about the Paralympic Handover or the London 2012 Games please contact: Chris Kirkland, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games on 01785 854595 or email: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk