Local schools get into Olympic spirit

At the start of the athletes’ parade the students will join 249 other schools from across the UK and make up the 2,000 student Guard of Honour which will line the route.

For many of the 10,500 athletes the Guard of Honour will be their first experience of the London 2012 Games.

The College has been selected through the reward and recognition programme of the Get Set network, the official London 2012 education programme.

It is one of only ten schools from Northern Ireland that has been selected.

The school has demonstrated a commitment to living the Olympic and Paralympic Values and incorporating them into school lives and the curriculum. Gareth Gallagher, one of the participating Oakgrove students, said: “It’s a great honour to have been asked to represent Oakgrove at the opening of the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“I have a real passion for sailing and I am looking forward to seeing some of my sailing heroes, like Ben Ainslie or Paul Goodison. That would give me inspiration when I take part in the GP14 World Championships in Cornwall in August.”

The excitement at Oakgrove follows the particpation of other local schools in the Olympic celebrations earlier this week including Broadbridge Primary School.

Inspirational teacher Deborah McElhinney was cheered on by Broadbridge Primary pupils as she carried the Olympic Torch through the city as part of the London 2012 Olympic Relay.

Deborah was nominated to carry the torch in recognition of her dedicated work at Broadbridge where she puts so much of her free time into extra-curricular activities for the children.

Deborah was one of 24 local people nominated by their peers for the honour of carrying the torch through the streets as part of the UK-wide event.

“My colleague Jack Logue sent in the nomination to the Olympic Committee, so I’m taking this opportunity to name and shame him now,” she said.

“I must say I was delighted to be nominated, but I can only accept this honour on behalf of the many staff at Broadbridge.

“The teachers here all devote their time and energy to the many after hours activities that the school offers, including Gaelic, soccer, running, netball – there are so many things happening here.

“All the teachers give up their time, so I don’t really see this as a personal achievement - it’s something we are all devoted to doing for the children.

“And it’s very timely as the school is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, so it ties in well with all our celebrations. It’s a great way to showcase the school.”

As coach of the school’s athletics and cross-country teams, Deborah is emphatic in her enthusiasm for getting children up and running.

“Sport and running in particular is a fantastic discipline to have and something that brings benefits to all aspects of your life, not just the running track,” she stresses.

“It really is an enjoyable sport and anyone can do it, you don’t need to spend any money or buy any equipment - all you need is a pair of trainers.

“And it teaches children great discipline, it’s something they can bring into all aspects of their lives, and other sports they are involved in. Anything that tears children away from their X-boxes and out into the fresh air should be encouraged.”