PE & Sport
Olympic Park Trip
On Wednesday 9th May, ninety students and staff visited the Olympic Park in London for the finals of the School Games.
Everyone was very excited at the prospect of visiting the site of this year's Olympic Games and hoped the sun would continue to shine as we made out way to the Park, having left Trinity at 8am.
At the park, groups of thirty pupils went off to the three main venues, the veledrome, aquatics centre and the Olympic stadium to watch the final day of events.
I was amazed at how many buildings there were and how weird they all looked, especially the basketball stadium as it looked like a big white tent, with lots of creases in it. The aquatic stadium looked like a big metallic wave!
- Year 8 Student
The following reports from each of the three events have been written by the pupils:
Swimming: Aquatics Centre
Upon entering the Park, we had to go through security, and then had a walk – shortly in the rain - to the Aquatics Centre where the finals were being held. We had lunch first – outside, by the river, as it had stopped raining - and then waited for the races to begin. The races began at 1:45 pm.
The stadium itself was very impressive. The pool was in the centre with seats tiering up on either side to a great height. From where I sat I could see the pool perfectly, even with all the people sat in front of me, as I’m sure you could from any seat. I was lucky enough to be sat quite centrally, so I could see all the action in the water very well.
There were 22 races in total, including races for those with disabilities. Eight teams took part: Scotland North and West, Scotland South and East, Wales, Ireland, England East, England North, England South and England Central. In some races there were participants from Brazil, including a swimmer names Daniel Jesus, who had flown over especially for the competition.
The clear leaders in the competition were England North, who won ten of the races, including Girls 800m Freestyle Relay, Girls 200m Backstroke and Boys MD 200m. England North mainly dominated the female races (eight), winning only a few male ones (two). For example, a young man called Craig McNeil won the Boys 100m MD race, one for those with a disability. I found this particularly memorable because he only had half a right arm.
Second place went to England South – who won five races – and joint third were England Central, Brazil and Scotland South and East, winning two races respectively. The other winner was Wales, who won Girls 100m Freestyle. Sadly Ireland and Scotland North and East didn’t win any of their races.
I think that the swimmers were very impressive that day. It must have been incredibly daunting for them to swim with such a great audience and in such a prestigious venue, especially for the Brazilians who were away from home and didn’t speak English. As such, I also recognise what a fantastic opportunity this was, and would like to thank the people involved in making it happen. I’m sure I can speak for all who went that it was an amazing experience and a day I’ll always remember. Thank you.
Cycling: Veledrome
Making our way to London on the coach, it seemed like ages before we got there. Then, in the distance we saw (ignoring the TV for once) the fantastic Olympic Stadium. We joined thousands of other kids from different schools.
The cycling group walked together in pairs, as we made our way to the velodrome. There was high security and our bags and coats went through a strange looking X ray machine. I thought I was going to get body checked, a bit like the airport, but managed to avoid it. An official came up to our group and told us that it wasn’t a long walk to the velodrome but much longer to the swimming and athletics. That was lucky. Many of us ate our lunch while waiting.
When the velodrome doors opened, everybody crowded through with anticipation. Our seats were way up around the high part of an enormous track, which appeared strange, as it was so steep. I watched and did the Mexican wave, with the huge crowd cheering on their different teams, engrossed in the races. With every passing moment the East Midlands team were doing better and better! East Midlands were third and it all rested on the 60 lapper that was about to come; first the girls, then the boys! The girls’ race lasted for 23 minutes and the East Midlands team came in the top 6. Then it was time for the boys’ race. Their best time was 20 minutes, which also placed them in the top 6. Unfortunately they didn’t win the 60 lapper, but they did win the sprints. A good result all round.
Afterwards, we went to the main stadium to meet up with all the other Trinity groups and shared stories. Then we clambered onto the bus for our journey home. But the day did not end there. We stopped at a service station on the way home for some food. The workers at the food service were gobsmacked when they saw all the people that they had to serve! There was a time limit on our stay and I had to eat a large wrap, chips, and drink a large coke in 5 minutes flat. Luckily we were allowed to drink the rest on the bus. The bus pulled in by the side of the school at ten o clock at night, too tired to tell my parents of my adventures I rolled straight into bed. What a fantastic day that was!
My first impressions of the Olympic park was the magnificent view of the stadium. It looked brand new and very big.
- Year 8 Student
Athletics: Olympic Stadium
I stepped into the daylight and took a look around me. It was the Olympic Stadium. I was finally there.
We took our seats quite high up in the stands, but close enough that we didn’t need binoculars to see the ants that were the athletes.
The teams were as follows:
- North West
- North East
- Midlands
- South West
- South East
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
We supported the Midlands, who were sporting a bright orange kit.
As I watched the Athletics, I imagined what I could do in the future. The athletes taught me to keep on trying, never give up what you want to achieve, and no matter how tough the situation you are in, believe in yourself. I can not only use these things in sport, but I can use them in life.
- Year 8 Student
The first event was the pole vault. The Midlands didn’t do very well, but the Scottish team did really well. Every time he got over the bar (which was every time), everyone cheered.
In the girls’ 3000m (seven and a half laps) final, Amy Griffiths, the Midlands runner, was in second for most of the way, but with 200m left to go, she took over the runner in first (after the leading three had lapped the runner in last place), and won the race.
Bad news though. In the boys’ 4x400m relay final, the runner for the Midlands stopped on the first leg. He had injured himself within seconds of the starting gun, ultimately putting the Midlands out of the competition.
Obviously, we didn’t sit through all of the events. There was a loop ‘road’ around the outside of the Stadium. You’ll never guess what it was called... The Loop Road. Shocker! Along here were shops, including the London 2012 Shop, which was a total bargain. You could get a badge for only £6.00! How incredibly, amazingly, magnificently un-expensive. Also there were toilets, some of which had a giant woman sign in the roof.
I was really privileged to be able to go to the Olympic Stadium. Now I wish I could go to the Olympics and watch Team GB perform. That was my prepared speech in case I was asked for an interview.
What I really enjoyed was being able to experience something new, to see the breath taking buildings, where the Olympics are to be held and to be able to say ‘I’ve been there’ without actually paying lots of money for tickets.
- Year 8 Student
Well Done
A massive well done and thank you to all the pupils that went, it was a fantastic day made all the better as each and every pupil did what was asked and behaved impeccably. So much so, a man in the service station on the way home commented. Also, thank you to the staff that went and allowed it to happen. Come on team GB in the summer!
What’s Next?
Sports Day is on Monday 9th July this year which kicks off our Olympic Week. There will be some special Olympic events which we hope you will get involved in.
It was a very special experience, Thank you!
- Year 8 Student
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