Release Date: 12/07/2012

Youngsters capture spirit of Paralympics in poetry

School children in Richmond upon Thames have waxed lyrical about the courage, determination and bravery of Paralympic athletes in their own poetry pieces.

Getting into the Olympic spirit, the youngsters wrote a collection of poems that focus on the mind and body of our athletes as they prepare for the Games later this summer. The children were honoured at a special ceremony last week in which 38 of the borough's primary schools and three secondary schools celebrated with singing, orchestra music, dancing and a public reading of the powerful pieces.

The poetry project has been part of 2012 Dreams, a collaborative arts project between Richmond Council and St Mary’s University showcasing art, music and poetry by school children across the borough. A book featuring the children’s poetry has been compiled and sent to all schools and libraries in the borough.

Cllr Pamela Fleming, Richmond Council’s Strategic Cabinet Member for Community, Business and Culture said:

“These talented youngsters have written moving poetry which gives a gripping account of athletic aspirations and sacrifice. Each piece is unique, exploring the human and artistic side to the Olympic Games. The children deserve a gold medal for their powerful and well written pieces of poetry.

“The Paralympics are fast approaching and I encourage everyone to read this poetry along with many other great artistic works by the borough’s children.”

Throughout the Paralympic Games a child’s poem will be selected each day for the Council’s Facebook and Twitter page.