Olympic Torch Relay and Opening Ceremony

The whole school had a really exciting day on Monday 28^th May, 2012 when we held the events above.  As soon as the children came into school, they all got changed into their PE kit and went out onto the field in their classes.

Everyone then took part in our own Leckhampton version of the torch relay. Each child carried a handmade torch in a circuit around the school grounds. It was good to see Class One, being cheered on by the older children, running with their torch to Class Fourteen!

Later, at 11:15, we had our Opening Ceremony. Each child paraded in their teams behind the flag of their country while suitable music was playing. After that Ben Rook and Ella Burfitt held the Olympic flag while Rosie McMahon and William Dutton made the athletes promise:

“In the name of all competitors, I promise that we shall take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules that govern them, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams.”

Miss Campbell then read the judges promise:

“In the name of all the judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Olympic Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them in the true spirit of sportsmanship.”

 Mr. Mackenzie read the Olympic creed:

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.”

Finally, Miss Porter declared the Olympic Games open and the Olympic Flag was hoisted on to our new flagpole while we listened to the Olympic anthem. I’m sure some of the younger children were a bit confused about the whole thing but for some of the older children it will be an abiding memory.