Edinburgh Gets Set for The Games

Edinburgh City Council last week launched their eagerly anticipated ‘Edinburgh Gets Set for the Games’ project throughout primary schools across the city.

Former Paralympian swimmer Chris Holmes MBE unveiled the new initiative at an official launch at Redhall Primary School.

Over the next year schools will incorporate various events to celebrate the Olympic Games, which will be held in London next year.

The project aims to use the 2012 Olympics as a basis for learning about a wide variety of topics including healthy eating, sport and learning about other Olympic nations. The project will incorporate over 2000 Primary school pupils in years five and six.

City Education Leader Councillor Marilyne MacLaren said: “London 2012 presents us with a fantastic opportunity and, with our programme of cultural and sporting events, we’re determined to make the most of the enthusiasm that is building ahead of the Games.

“A Games legacy shouldn’t just be assumed – we need to make sure that young people have the opportunity to become involved and to be inspired. We’re doing this by organising our own programme of events which reflect the sporting and cultural values of the Games.”

Arranged by Edinburgh International City of Learning, the project has been supported by international students from all of the city’s universities who have volunteered to teach pupils about other cultures.

The project has also already received ‘Inspire’ status by the Olympic committee providing official support from the organisers of the games.

Ms MacLaren concluded "I’m confident that pupils who take part will not only be inspired, they’ll feel that they’ve played their part in London 2012.”