Olympic School Games 2011

South African International rugby player Thinus Delport was guest of honour when over 1200 students took part at the College Olympic Day

The day began with an opening ceremony led by a group of dance and music students and was then following by an outstanding and inspirational talk from Thinus Delport. The students then dispersed to their activities for the day, with the hope of being crowned Olympic Day champions at the end ceremony.

The aim of the day was to inspire and engage all students through a programme of Olympic themed sessions, with a focus on the Olympic Values. Staff from all areas of the school curriculum had prepared an exciting and challenging day, including cooking a meal for an Olympic athlete, designing Olympic banners, flags and posters, building Olympic robots which competed in events, making arrows which were used in an archery competition and creating a bid for the Olympic in 2020.

The main event of the day was the track and field competition, which saw students from all years compete against one another in pursuit of the gold, silver or bronze medal. The level of competition and the manner in which the students competed was outstanding and three students finished the day as new school record holders, Patrick Channings (Year 8) 100m, Ellie Marsh (Year 8) Shot Put and Ben Parham (Year 9) 1500m.

Alongside the main track and field events, students had the opportunity to take part in some Paralympics events, which was led by Steve Hillman, Cornwall Disability Sports Development Officer, which included wheelchair basketball and boccia.

In the afternoon, all students gathered trackside to watch their teams compete in the relay races. With the scores being close between the four houses, which were named after previous Olympic mascots Fuwa, Cobi, Waldi and Hodori, the atmosphere amongst students and staff turned to excitement and after some close finishes to the races, it was time for the end ceremony.

All points had been added up from all the activities that the students had been taking part in and Team Hodori were announced winners of the first Olympic Day event.  The house shield was presented to a pair of students from Team Hodori by Thinus Delport.

Throughout the day all students demonstrated the true values of Olympic sport through respect, excellence and friendship and went home having enjoyed the day.

Isy Lindsell, Head of PE stated ‘Callington Olympic Day truly inspired our students to get involved in sport in a variety of exciting ways.  It was amazing to witness 1200 students engaged through the power of sport and we were lucky enough to have Thinus Delport as an inspiring role model.  The olympic values were an important aspect of the day and we hope these have a positive impact on all our students either through their sporting or academic career'.