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The pupils at Powers Hall Infant School in Witham met Wenlock, the London 2012 Olympic mascot on Thursday 8 July having won a competition through Get Set - the official London 2012 education programme.

 Powers Hall Infant School won the opportunity for Wenlock to visit after holding a health fortnight at the start of the summer term, during which they held a Mini Olympic Games. The Mini Olympic Games encouraged the children to compete against each other and beat their own personal bests, whilst learning about the Olympic and Paralympic values. The pupils were able to write to Wenlock and Mandeville about their experience and asked them to visit and see what good role models they are.

Wenlock was welcomed into the school by the children and joined in for an afternoon of family fun. The children were able to show Wenlock how they use the Olympic and Paralympic values at school, such as friendship, determination and respect.

 Claire Edwards, Head Teacher at Powers Hall Infants School said:

“I’m thrilled that our pupils won the chance to meet Wenlock; they have all been so excited at the prospect. All of us at Powers Hall Infant School strive to convey the importance of friendship, respect and treating others equally. The children have embraced these values and understand that they are at the heart of everything we do.”

Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games added:

“I am very pleased to see that our schools are embracing the Olympic and Paralympic values and incorporating these into their everyday activities- Powers Hall Infant School is a testament of that.

Having over 350 schools in the county signed up to the Get Set network demonstrates how inspirational the London 2012 Games can be to the young people of Essex.”

 Sebastian Coe, London 2012 Chair, said:

“I know Wenlock and Mandeville are incredibly excited to begin their journey around the UK by visiting Essex and live the Olympic and Paralympic values. Our mascots were designed to inspire young people and connect them to the power of sport, whilst celebrating our proud Olympic and Paralympic history.”

Powers Hall Infant School is the first school in Essex and the Eastern region to win a visit from the London 2012 Olympic mascot through the Get Set programme. Schools and colleges that demonstrate a commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic values by using the Games to add value to the life of the school or college can apply to join the Get Set network. To find out more information on Get Set, visit london2012.com

 Picture Caption: Wenlock and children get ready to race

Notes to Editors:

Their winning competition entry reads:
Letter Written by children in Key Stage 1 aged 6 and 7 years old:
Dear Wenlock and Mandeville

Our school uses the Olympic and Paralympic values. We show friendship by sharing our toys and by letting other people play our games. We let people with disabilities play with us and change the rules to help them join in. This shows equality and respect. We also respect our equipment. We show determination by trying our best and never giving up. We try to beat our own scores and other people’s scores. We inspire others by being a good role model and showing how good we are. Please visit us.

Love the children at Powers Hall Infant School

 Get Set is the official London 2012 education programme for schools and colleges across the UK. It provides free learning resources for 3-19 year olds to find out more about the Games and explore the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect and the Paralympic Values of determination, inspiration, courage and equality. 

Schools and colleges that demonstrate a commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic values by using the Games to add value to the life of the school or college can apply to join the Get Set network. Being part of the Get Set network enables schools and colleges to gain access to exclusive rewards and opportunities from London 2012 including a plaque and a certificate and the right to use the London 2012 Education logo on the school or college sign, headed paper, website and newsletter. As a member of the Get Set network schools and colleges also receive access to great opportunities like exclusive Olympic Park tours, some members have already met Archbishop Desmund Tutu, had visits from Olympians and Paralympians, taken the chance to take part in the pilot of brand new London 2012 initiatives and entered into prize draws to win goodies from London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsors, like digital cameras. 

Click here for more information about Get Set and other Education opportunities