Pupils ring up to say good luck to Olympians

Kaikorai School pupils shape up to form the Olympic rings for a photo that will be sent to former...
Kaikorai School pupils shape up to form the Olympic rings for a photo that will be sent to former pupils Greg Henderson and Hugo Inglis to offer support as they prepare for their Olympic events. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.
There was plenty of ringing at Kaikorai School yesterday, and it wasn't from the school bell.

All 270 pupils raced out on to the school courts at lunchtime, dressed in black, red, green, yellow and blue clothing, and formed the shape of the Olympic rings.

Principal Simon Clarke said the Olympic symbol was photographed and the image would be sent to cyclist Greg Henderson and hockey player Hugo Inglis, former pupils who are representing New Zealand at the Olympic Games in London.

It was hoped the image would provide support and inspiration in their build-up, he said.

"We wanted to send a message of good luck and goodwill to our ex-pupils Hugo Inglis and Greg Henderson, who are competing at the Olympics."

The initiative was part of the school's study of the Olympic Games, in which the pupils were learning about New Zealand athletes.

Dressing up for the Olympics yesterday are  (from left) Jessica Williamson (9), Ciana McIver (6),...
Dressing up for the Olympics yesterday are (from left) Jessica Williamson (9), Ciana McIver (6), Tyler McLeery (6), Nerice Barnes (11), Rata Williams (6), Harry Bates (5) and Frankie Scoles (9). Photo by Craig Baxter.
Inglis had already sent photos of his time in London, Mr Clarke said.

"It shows the kids what the Olympic village really looks like and it gives the pupils an insight of what it's like to be an Olympic athlete.

"It's hugely inspiring for the pupils. It shows they can be an Olympic athlete too if they work hard.

"It's been really neat."

Henderson was a pupil at the school in the 1980s and Inglis in the 1990s.

Mr Clarke said it was not the first time the school had pulled together for an important event.

Last year, the school formed up on the courts in a giant love heart that was photographed and sent to Christchurch after the 6.3-magnitude quake last February.

The school's Olympic study will finish next month with an Olympic event for three of the early childhood providers in the area, and a school mini-Olympics, both organised by senior pupils at the school.

- john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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