Olympic Torch Gets Local Pupils In Step

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Wimbledon is venue for torch handover

Pupils from three Wimbledon schools have received an Olympic torch as part a special walking relay to mark International Walk to School Month.

The event promoted walking to school and at the same time celebrated the forthcoming London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Wimbledon's All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the venue for the 2012 tennis event, provided the perfect location for pupils from Ricards Lodge, The Study Preparatory School and Bishop Gilpin to take the torch on the next stage of its journey across the capital. 

Following the handover as pupils from neighbouring Wandsworth passed over the torch, the youngsters enjoyed an afternoon of activities at the AELTC.

Councillor Maxi Martin, Merton Cabinet member for Children's Services, attended along with road safety mascot Debra the Zebra to welcome pupils to the event.

The walking relay includes 33 London boroughs and will see the Olympic torches from 1948 and 1956 passed from borough to borough throughout October and the beginning of November.

Councillor Martin said: "It is important to encourage as many young people as possible to walk to school. It promotes daily exercise and keeping fit and reduces congestion on our roads. This event is also a great opportunity to celebrate the fast-approaching Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to London."

October 24, 2011