Follow the Torch

First published on: 15th March 2024

As the 2024 Paris Olympics grow closer, the MAT is raising awareness about the Olympic Games and its values by having a Torch travelling round all 21 of our MAT schools. We have been lucky enough to borrow a real Olympic torch from a competitor in the 2012 Paralympics.

Follow this page to see its progress.

Nearly half way there! On 29th April,St Matthew's were happy to see the torch in their school.
On 26th April, the torch arrived at Sproughton. It was received by the School Council and then passed around the classes before joining the school in Collective Worship where the pupils learned about the Olympics.
25th April was a busy day! Having been round Elmsett, the torch paid a visit to Hintlesham and Chattisham.
On 25th April, Mr Frolish delivered the torch to Elmsett Church of England Primary. It had a busy time travelling round the school and even into the woods!
On 17th April, the torch was delivered to St Mary's C of E Primary, Hadleigh . The children looked at it in assembly and then shared it round their classes. The Early Years children celebrated by making medals.
On 28th March, the torch arrived at Stoke by Nayland. The torch joined our easter egg hunt and was passed on from Tudor to some of our Key stage 2 children.
On 25th March, children from Long Melford passed the torch to Tudor.
On 19th March, Hartest passed the Olympic Torch and the flag to Long Melford. The children from Hartest work with the children from Long Melford quite often and have visited the school for things such as DT Days and the Science Week. So, once the photographs had been taken, they had playtime together, before heading back to Hartest.
On the morning of Friday 15th March All Saints', Newmarket visited Hartest with the Olympic Torch. Hartest School Council showed the All Saints' School Council representatives around their school.
Mrs Hann handed the Torch over to All Saints' C of E Primary, Newmarket on Wednesday 13th March.
The Torch started its journey at the Trust Head Office on Friday 8^th March.

What do the Olympic Rings Represent?

The Olympic symbol (the five Olympic rings) represents the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.

The Olympic Values

Excellence – someone doing the best they can, in sport and life
Friendship – using sport to develop tolerance and understanding between all people – performers, spectators and citizens generally
Respect – having consideration for oneself, others and the wider environment

The Paralympic Values

Determination
Inspiration
Courage
Equality

The Olympic Oath, taken by all athletes competing

We promise to take part in these Olympic games, respecting and abiding by the rules and in the spirit of fair play, inclusion and equality. Together we stand in solidarity and commit ourselves to sport without doping, without cheating, without any form of discrimination. We do this for the honour of our teams, in respect for the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, and to make the world a better place through sport.

Did you Know?

Between 1912 and 1948, in the early years of the modern Olympic games, the competitions included categories for areas of the Arts inspired by sport. Medals were awarded for competitions in the following categories:>

Architecture
Literature
Music
Painting
Sculpture

In 1956 these were replaced by the Olympic cultural programme.