Outram School pupils have sent a message of support in a book, to one of the school's former pupils - New Zealand equestrian Clarke Johnstone, who is competing at the Rio Olympics.
The slightly unorthodox idea came from 12-year-old Brooke McAlwee, whose parents know Mr Johnstone's parents.
Brooke is a member of the school council, and suggested it would be good for pupils at the school to learn more about Mr Johnstone and equestrianism.
From there, the idea grew to the point where each class provided a page containing messages of support from the pupils. The pages were then bound into a book.
``I just thought it was important that we, as a school, were supporting one of our ex-Outram students, and that he knew that we were behind him,'' Brooke said.
Outram School teacher Lynda Bayne said it was a fantastic idea, but the problem was getting the book to Mr Johnstone, who had already left for Rio.
Fortunately, it's not what you know, it's who you know.
Brooke gave the book to Mr Johnstone's parents, who went to Rio to watch their son compete. They gave him the book personally.
``He's said he is very impressed that students from Outram School have made a book for him, and he's very happy with the support,'' Brooke said.
``I hope it helps him to do well at the Games.''
Mrs Bayne said the book had attracted a lot of media attention in Rio, and from athletes in the New Zealand camp.
``We heard on Monday that there had been a response to the book over there. He [Mr Johnstone] has been sharing it with people over there.''
Mr Johnstone said on his Facebook page: ``We are loving all the support from home and from the Kiwis here screaming on the cross-country.''
At present, he is seventh on the individual tables, and part of the New Zealand equestrian team, which is in the silver medal position.
