Pictured joining in the fun of the global sporting event at Queen Margaret Academy are Cllrs Douglas, Toner and Wilson
Queen Margaret Academy pupils and staff got into the Olympic spirit at their fun sports day which reflected the Olympic and Paralympic values.
Pupils dressed in costumes they had made themselves, to reflect different countries of the world, and created flags and banners to wave and encourage team members who took part in a range of track events. In the spirit of the games there was a medal presentation ceremony and an eternal flame burning at the running track.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning for South Ayrshire Council attended the event along with local Councillors Ian Douglas and Corri Wilson.
Speaking about the event Councillor Toner said: "The schools Olympic themed sports day was a fun event with something to interest everyone.
"Staff put a lot of work into the school timetable in the run up to the big day using the Curriculum for Excellence values in an innovative way. They devised Olympic themed classes and activities and got the pupils to apply the Curriculum for Excellence values to their work. These are teamwork, time management, resource management and thinking about how they learn best and transferring their skills and knowledge across all their subject areas.
"Olympic fever is certainly alive and well within Queen Margaret Academy. I know that pupils are looking forward to the Olympic Torch coming to South Ayrshire on Friday 8 June, when the public will have the opportunity to see history in the making when the Torch passes through our area."
The format for the day was:
- Opening ceremony
- Procession of nations and greeting of judges
- Dance displays
- South Ayrshire Summer of Song
- Unfurling of the school's flags
- Queen Margaret oath
- Torch lighting
- Variety of team games, athletics finals and races
During the games participants were able to buy Fairtrade snacks and drinks and enjoy themselves on a bouncy castle, take part in a mountain bike challenge, rugby activities and the climbing wall.
Here are comments from some of the participants:
- Jade Dunlop S1 − "I think it has given us a chance to get to know people. People who would not normally take part in sport did so. We should do events like this in future."
- Euan Smith S1 − "We learned how to work in teams. We met new people and learned a lot about the countries."
- Leona McLean S1 − "I didn't know what the rings meant but now I know that each flag has the colour of one of the rings and the rings represent everyone being brought together. I have enjoyed it 100%."
- Nicole Lynch S1 − "I thought it was a great idea and really fun. We enjoyed learning different things about Estonia in each class. I think the Olympics has been fun and I love the games."
- Jackson Stevenson S1 − "We learned when the first Olympics took place and what the rings symbolise."
- Nadine Prosser S1 – "We tried lots of different sports. This has been fun and I hope we do it in 2016 as well."
- Jodie Elliot S1 − "I thought it was great fun today. This has given me confidence."