Nine year old Lingey House pupil, Anthony Hardingham, throws the javelin while being cheered by fellow competitors.
Gateshead will be holding its very own Olympics this summer to rival Beijing.
Lingey House Primary School in Gateshead and Gibside School in Whickham have teamed up to hold the Lingey ‘Lympics and Para ‘Lympics at Gateshead Stadium on Monday 30th June.
More than 300 pupils will take part in the event, which will include many much-loved Olympic sports, such as the 200m and 800m races, and field events, including the javelin and the shot put.
Children from age 4 to 11 will take part on the day and, instead of the usual colours to differentiate teams, will represent four competing countries: China, Australia, Kenya and the USA.
The event starts at 10.00am on Monday 30th June and will be officially opened by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Maureen Chaplin.
An elaborate 20-minute opening ceremony, mirrored on the Olympics, will see children march into the stadium to their adopted country’s national anthem and will feature choreographed dancing and musical performances.
The school has even arranged specially designed programmes and gold medals for race winners.
Christine Jones, Head Teacher at Lingey House Primary School, said: “The event has provided us with a great platform for learning. Picking countries instead of colours for the teams, has given us the opportunity to talk to pupils about contrasting geography and cultures.
“And joining forces with Gibside School has encouraged true teamwork, as pupils from both schools will be competing side by side.
“Even our PE lessons have been given a fresh focus - becoming training sessions for the event.
“The children have embraced the whole idea wholeheartedly and are extremely excited about the forthcoming event. They are already exchanging email messages of support and have given Gibson School a special Lingey House teddy as a gesture of unity.”
Students from Gateshead College’s Academy for Sport Volunteer Programme will act as officials for the event. And a DVD of the day will be created by the pupils and edited at Gateshead City Learning by the pupils of the two schools.
Councillor Catherine Donovan, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Hats off to the schools for coming up with such a great idea for making exercise fun and educational at the same time.
“I’m sure the children will have a fantastic day and I wish them all the very best of luck in the games.”
Anyone looking to come along to the event should contact event director, Martin Bailey at Lingey House Primary School on (0191) 433 4061.