Last updated at 20:23, Thursday, 01 March 2012

A donation of £2,500 has kept Workington’s School Olympics bid on track for a stunning summer celebration of athletics.

Dubbed “the sports day of all sports days” by organiser Judith Henderson, 2,332 youngsters from 15 infant and juniors schools from Workington and the surrounding area will take part in the event.

It will be held at Workington Town’s Derwent Park stadium on June 12.

After a slow start to fund-raising, money is finally being secured, helped by a £2,500 cheque from ISS Facility Services Landscaping.

Mrs Henderson, deputy headteacher of Harrington’s Beckstone Primary School, said £11,121 was needed to turn the Olympic dream into reality.

At a meeting of the event’s steering group on Monday, she added: “To announce this level of funding is just wonderful.

“It’s the best news for us yet, and has given everyone connected with Workington School Olympics a massive boost.

“We have got the most amazing bunch of people making sure the games go ahead, and we are committed to making sure enough money is raised to make this come to a head on June 12.

“Funding was slow to start with, but we’re back on track now and looking optimistically to the future.”

Workington Town Council has donated £1,000 and £700 has been given by West Cumbrian businesses, including packaging firm Amcor, Iggesund Paperboard and car dealers Dobies.

Linda Borthwick, of the Allerdale School Sport Partnership, which is helping to run the event, said: “Things are starting to take shape, which is great. We are confident the games will be a huge success.

“It’s an exciting project to be part of, because thousands of kids are being brought together to enjoy what promises to be a stunning summer celebration.”

Professional coaches, led by Marnie Jackson, community manager for Workington Town rugby league club, will train children in six sports.

A child or team from each school will go through to finals to be held on the day. There will also be multi-skills sessions to involve all children.

A specially designed torch will copy the Olympic tradition and travel from school to school before arriving at the stadium.

Mike Milner, who teaches music to almost all the pupils from the different schools, has penned an anthem, which will be sung during the opening ceremony at Derwent Park.

Keeping the tune under wraps, it will be performed at the opening ceremony by children from the schools.

Bands from Stainburn, Southfield and St Joseph’s School will also take part.

Schools taking part include Ashfield infant and junior, Victoria infant and junior, St Michael’s nursery and infant, St Patrick’s primary, St Gregory’s primary, Westfield primary, St Mary’s primary, Northside primary, Seaton Academy, Seaton junior, Distington Community School, Derwent Vale primary in Great Clifton and Beckstone primary in Harrington.

First published at 19:23, Thursday, 01 March 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk