Olympic fever has come to Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form, as it celebrates two former students’ Olympic selections, and names three of its students as Olympic Torch Bearers.
With London 2012 looming, Olympic furore is in full swing across the country and being selected to carry the torch as part of the Olympic Torch relay, which travels the length and breadth of the UK, is a great honour
8000 people from across the country have been selected as official Olympic Torch Bearers and the College was thrilled to learn that 3 of its own students had been selected for this prestigious honour.
A Level student Elizabeth Stansfield was nominated due to her sporting commitment in the community. Elizabeth’s real passion is Gymnastics and she volunteers on a weekly basis at various gymnastics sessions, something which she has done since she was 12 years old. In the future, Elizabeth hopes to stay involved in sport, helping young people by coaching or by getting involved with community sport initiatives.
Child Care Apprentice Alice Martindale has been regularly volunteering since March 2010 and has completed over 200 hours of volunteer work. Helping with community sessions and a disability club, Alice has shown true commitment and hopes one day to qualify as a Teaching Assistant.
Jade Brindle is a BTEC Sport student who started to volunteer in May 2011 and who has already completed over 100 hours through community clubs and the holiday programme, averaging 30 hours a week over a 6 week period. She assists coaches with various activities, including the running club and also works with a disability club.
The College was pleased to welcome runners from the Pendle Learning Partnership Torch Relay on Monday and the three Olympic Torch Bearers welcomed the school pupils and posed for pictures with their official torches.
The College is keen to promote an ethos of healthy living and an active lifestyle. As a member of the Olympic 2012 Get Set Network, the College was given tickets for a football match at Old Trafford between USA and Korea on 31st July. Tickets were awarded to the College’s Sports Ambassadors Abigail Fallows and Nathan Darbyshire who, as part of their role, visit local primary schools to promote the Olympic and Paralympic values. Nathan was presented with his tickets at the end of the Pendle Learning Partnerships’ Olympic Torch Relay last week.
For the remaining tickets, staff were asked to put forward students for consideration. All nominations were considered carefully and the tickets were awarded to students who staff felt had overcome adversity, or worked extraordinarily hard this year.
With two former students, Rachel Brown (Woman’s Football Goalkeeper) and Steven Burke (Cyclist) already selected for the Olympics this year, everyone at the College is excited for the Games to begin and we wish the best of luck to both Rachel and Steven.
