Alexander Park Elementary students are running to celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Last Friday, the elementary school, along with parents, teachers and support staff, took off on a Run of Fire, connecting to the spirit of the games.
The entire procession took off from the school just before 9:30 a.m. and paraded up Ninth Street. Many children were waving brightly coloured Olympic torches they had made in school, while others were sporting Olympic flags and other sporting gear.
The 200-person parade normally runs on the path along the river on its school runs, but because of the icy and slushy conditions, it opted for the safety of a salted sidewalk.
Teacher Laurie Macdougall explains that the event is a spin-off of the school’s usual Friday morning run with an Olympic theme. The children were encouraged to wear their favourite sports jersey or toque.
“The Olympic theme’s purpose is to help our young students connect to the events taking place in Golden, Vancouver, and Whistler.
“We have been studying the Olympics this month through stories, the Internet, articles and materials provided by Vancouver 2010. The students also have a bulletin board where they can see where the torch is each day.”
“By participating in the Run of Fire, Olympic-themed P.E. classes, Library classes, and Winter Fun Day, children can feel part of the action. Special events like these make school fun and give the children unique learning opportunities.”
