And when...approximately 5,000 schools and colleges across the UK marked Paralympic Handover on Wednesday 17 September, organising activities including inclusive sports festivals, international days, flag making and dance and drama performances. We attended 13 events and were supported by approximately 50 Paralympians, 5 Government Ministers and a whole range of other VIPS. LOCOG produced a special Paralympic Handover website and resources including DVDs, a wall chart, posters and stickers to help young people celebrate the day.
(Photograph taken at Inveralmond Community High School, Livingston)
And when...10-year-old Reece Berrisford from St. Peters C of E Primary School in Caverswall, Staffordshire won the trip of a lifetime and attended the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games as a young reporter, courtesy of Visa. Reece produced daily blogs about his adventures
And when...LOCOG launched 'Get Set', its UK education programme for schools and colleges across the UK. 'Get Set' provides a whole host of flexible resources including films, games, downloadable materials, activity ideas and case studies designed to encourage young people to excite and engage young people in the Olympic and Paralympic Values. Encourage your local school or college to register today!
And when...projects in each of the five 'International Inspiration' countries continued, with hundreds of thousands of young people in Azerbaijan, Brazil, India, Palau and Zambia being provided with opportunities to take part in sport, play and physical activity. Brilliant work from our partners in this programme, who include UK Sport, British Council and UNICEF.
And as well as all of that, other highlights included...
- 56,000 young people competing in this year's 'Make Your Mark' challenge, inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic Values.
- 1,000 new 'Young Ambassadors' being appointed by the Youth Sport Trust to promote healthy living, sport and the 2012 Games within their local communities. - Approximately 500 representatives from the FE and HE sectors attending Podium's 'Four years in the global spotlight' conference.
There's an astonishing amount to do and look forward to in 2009, and anyone who's at the BETT conference in January – come and see us on the stand! But in the meantime, from all of the education team, have a fantastic – and relaxing – Christmas!
