School gets into the Olympic spirit with 15km torch relay
PUPILS and staff at Beech Hall School were joined by Macclesfield MP David Rutley as they painted the town red with their very own Olympic Torch Relay.
The school organised the event to celebrate the launch of the Olympic and Paralympic games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Carrying a genuine 2012 Olympic Torch belonging to headmaster James Allen, pupils, siblings, parents, teachers, staff members, sportsmen and MP David Rutley joined in the relay, with each leg being adapted for the individual.
The Macclesfield MP was the first to run a lap of the school and lawn with the torch, wearing a bespoke Beech Hall red Olympic T-shirt.
He was joined by David Wilkinson, commercial director for Macclesfield RFC, with the pair being followed closely by pre-school and infant pupils.
The younger pupils ran or walked shorter distances on the school’s lawn or playing field while those in year five or above ran between 200-300m along nearby streets and footpaths.
Participants then continued their challenge down Manchester Road and into Macclesfield town centre.
They carried out five laps of the route, with dedicated Beech Hall representatives supporting each other throughout.
Together they ran a distance of more than 15km.
Headteacher James Allen said: “We all had great fun. It truly was a community event.
“It was a real celebration of Beech Hall School, sport, and of course, the Olympic values.
“As one of many events here at Beech Hall School to mark our 90th birthday, the Olympic torch relay was a fantastic day for everyone involved and it was wonderful to see so much support from the local community out on the streets in the town centre.”
Mr Rutley said: “It was brilliant to see Beech Hall School get into the spirit of the upcoming Olympics.
“The event was an excellent way of encouraging pupils to get involved in further sporting initiatives and outdoor recreational activities which help with their learning and development.
“I wish the school continued success with the other events it has planned to mark its 90th birthday.”