Real Olympic Torch delights local schoolchildren

To end the summer term with a momentous event, Oaklands College, working together with the School Sports Partnership, ran a day of Olympic style games for local schoolchildren, including a relay with the real 1948 Olympic torch.

Oaklands College, part of the Olympic ‘Get Set’ network, invited 32 primary schools to their Smallford Campus for a day of games designed to celebrate the values of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Two-hundred children attended and games such as rugby, football and basketball were run by Oaklands College sports students. School Sports Co-ordinators also ran activities such as cheerleading and archery.

The sun came out from behind the clouds as the highlight of the day, the Olympic Torch relay race was held and all of the students got involved in the London 2012 spirit.

Darren Morgan, Oaklands College Sports Co-ordinator, commented: “It is fantastic for Oaklands College to be the first FE College in Hertfordshire to be awarded the ‘Get Set’ network status, as we have clearly shown over a 3 year period that we are committed to living the Olympic and Paralympic values. I would like to thank the School Sports Partnership, the Co-ordinators and children for making the day so special.”

Zoe Hancock, Principal of Oaklands College, said: “Our staff and students have worked hard to organise events that celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic values and through these activities, we have been able to promote good partnerships with schools and organisations in the local community. We hope to make this an annual event for everyone involved.”

Tanya Angus, School Partnership Development Manager, noted: “Today has been a fantastic opportunity for all the children to participate in a range of Olympic sports organised and supported by leaders from the schools and the College.  To have the 1948 Olympic torch was the icing on the cake and allowing the children to be able to hold and run in a relay with the torch is a truly memorable experience for all. ”