Caithness Creates Its Own Olympic Torch Relay

1st June 2012

From
Shaun Henderson
Acting Head Teacher
Castletown Primary School
Caithness

As you know, the actual Olympic Torch isn't going to John O'Groats so we've decided to take our own one there (as you might have read in the Groat a few weeks ago). Our Olympic Relay is going to take place on Friday 22nd June. Our personally designed and made Olympic Torch will start at Castletown Primary School and be passed round all staff and pupils before going out onto the road. (Councillor Willie Mackay will officially start the relay.) We have 15 pupils who are each able to run a mile and will take it in turns to relay the torch to John O'Groats. Along the way we hope to stop off at Crossroads and Canisbay schools so that they are able to share in the experience and pass the torch round all their pupils as part of the relay.

The rest of our school pupils will meet the runners at the finish in John O'Groats, before moving up to the football pitch to enjoy an Olympic packed lunch, provided by the Seaview Hotel. They'll then take part in a Mini Highland Olympics, organised by Kenny Russell, our Active Schools Co-ordinator. There will be a medal ceremony as a finale, after which the pupils will return to school. Parents, friends and relatives will also be invited to attend the afternoon's events.

Throughout the relay, the runners will be accompanied by Mr Kevin Cormack, our Primary 1 teacher, and some runners from "Harriers" running club and parents, who will also marshal at various points. There will be also be Police escort for the length of the relay. Dunnetts buses will very kindly provide a minibus and driver to transport the runners, free of charge. The Co-op in Thurso has also kindly agreed to provide the runners with energy drinks and energy bars.

If you have time on the day why not head to John O'Groats to cheer them on and watch the Mini Highland Olympics.

Good luck to all the kids taking part.