Top athlete promotes Olympic launch in Wellington
Olympian David Moorcroft attended a special event ahead of Telford & Wrekin Council’s planned launch of the programme of events to promote The Games and Me – Telford & Wrekin’s adopted campaign to promote the Olympic experience in the borough.
The former 5,000 metre world record holder and Commonwealth gold medallist was at Wellington’s Charlton School to help promote the planned Lantern Torch Parade on Friday February 17, when the launch will take place.
The Charlton School is one of a number of Get Set schools in Telford and Wrekin, which means the school has signed up to the official London 2012 education programme.
Schools and colleges that join the Get Set London 2012 Education Programme can access ways to bring the inspiration of the Olympic and Paralympic games into their curriculum.
The athlete spent the afternoon at the Charlton School talking to young sports leaders and Year 11 students about his career as well as taking questions and viewing Olympic-themed artwork produced by students.
Mr Moorcroft, who is chairman of West Midlands for 2012, said: "With just over six months to go to London 2012, the West Midlands is experiencing major benefits from our involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I had a fantastic day at the Charlton School, which is one of many Get Set schools in the borough of Telford and Wrekin.
“It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and excitement that the students and the staff have for the unique opportunity afforded by the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to the UK.
Charlton School head teacher Lee Tristham said: “We were delighted to have such a well known personality as David Moorcroft come to the school and all the students found him an inspirational figure. I would like to thank him for visiting.
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games is an event that everyone in the country can experience through local initiatives like The Games and Me and we are determined to make sure this once in a lifetime experience is remembered by all our students.”
The launch of The Games and Me programme of events takes place with a Lantern Torch Parade on Friday February 17 in Telford Town Park between 6-7.30pm.
The parade will start outside Telford Library in Southwater Square and will also feature a spectacular fireworks display.
Free Lantern making sessions are being held at craft workshops around the borough in the build up to the event.
Lantern making workshop locations:
- Saturday February 4: Cosy Hall, Newport 1-4pm
- Friday February 10: Hadley Learning Community, 4-7pm
- Saturday February 11: Sutton Hill Community Centre, 1-4pm
- Wednesday February 15: Telford Library, 2-5pm
- Thursday February 16: Madeley Library, 2-5pm
- Friday February 17: Meeting Point House, Telford Town Centre 1-4pm
