On your marks and get set for Olympic flag inspirational schools tour

The Olympic Flag that South Norfolk was awarded by London 2012 to celebrate the official handover from China is set to go on an inspirational tour of local schools.

The flag handover ceremony - part of Flying the Flag – East of England Region initiative - took place at South Norfolk Council's headquarters in Long Stratton on Sunday (24 August).

It fires the starting gun on a four-year build up to the Olympics which aims to inspire young people - one of the reasons why London was chosen to host the Games - to welcome the world and deliver a lasting legacy.

Winners of the 2008 South Norfolk Community Sport Achievers awards who attended the ceremony, now want to join council staff on the schools tour.

They will lead special assemblies and leave the flag behind for the day so that the school can fly it.

South Norfolk Council Chairman Margaret Dewsbury said:

"There is a lot of talk about children in Norfolk needing to have higher aspirations. This usually refers to academic subjects.

"If we can inspire our young people to take part in sport, it will also hugely improve their health and fitness. That makes for a great contribution to a successful life."

This year's sports achievers received their awards from Team GB javelin thrower Goldie Sayers, and sent her messages of support before Beijing.

Sayers, who reached the finals, threw a new personal best and a new British record of 65.75m in the first round to take her into third place, but could not find the distance she needed to keep her bronze medal finishing a fraction outside.

South Norfolk Council will be now launching an Olympic category in its Community Sport Achievers Award scheme.

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