Olympic honour for Accrington pupils (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Olympic honour for Accrington pupils

2:33pm Friday 1st June 2012 in London Olympics 2012 - Latest News By Nafeesa Shan, Reporter

STUDENTS from a Hyndburn high school will be taking part in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, it has been revealed.

Accrington Academy pupils will form the Guard of Honour at the start of the Athletes’ Parade to kick start the Olympic games next month.

They will line the route that athletes will take through the Olympic Park into the Olympic Stadium.

Andrew O’Brien, principal of the Queens Road West school, descibed the event as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity which students will never forget’.

The school – the only one in East Lancashire – was selected through the Get Set network London 2012 education programme because they had demonstrated a commitment to the games through the school and the curriculum.

Accrington Academy has been working with a school in Sabah, Malaysia as part of the programme.

It is one of 249 schools from across the country that will make up the 2,000 student Guard of Honour. Students will hold lanterns and banners they have created to support one of the 204 competing teams Mr O’Brien said: “At Accrington Academy, we strive to give students excellent opportunities and experiences which will bring their learning to life.

“As a school with a strong sports ethic, we’re especially proud to be involved with the upcoming Olympics.

“For our pupils to be part of an event which will leave a legacy in this country is absolutely fantastic. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity which they will never forget.”

Year nine pupil Lewis Ware said: “It is a great honour and privilege to be a part of the Guard of Honour.

“I cannot wait to support Malaysia. And be a part of a great evening. London 2012 is going to be great.”

London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games chair, Seb Coe said: “For athletes, the Guard of Honour will provide a stunning welcome to the Games and the perfect curtain raiser for the Athletes’ Parade.”