Sharing passion for the Olympics

10:22am Saturday 14th June 2008

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THE greatest Paralympic swimmer of all time and an Olympic rower shared their enthusiasm for the 2012 games with Weymouth school pupils.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight joined nine-time Paralympic gold medallist Chris Holmes and Olympic oarsman Pete Gardner at Wey Valley School and Sports College.

They were given a sports demonstration of pupils doing basketball, tennis, rounders, dance and saw the sports leadership of Wey Valley students teaching youngsters from Wyvern Technology College to play a parachute game.

Mr Knight and Wey Valley head teacher Phil Thomas also had a go at shooting basketball hoops.

Speaking to the school assembly Mr Knight, the minister for schools and learners, said: "In four years' time we will have the Olympics coming to us - the greatest show in the world.

"It's a hugely exciting thing coming to Dorset and also the opportunities that come with it.

"As soon as Beijing is over the Olympiad begins.

"We've got four years of carrying the Olympic flame and all the values of the Olympics and Paralympics - excellence, respect and friendship, courage, determination, inspiration and equality - are important in every aspect of our lives, whether as individuals, in teams or at school, college and university."

Partially-sighted swimmer Mr Holmes, 36, who has an unbeaten record of six gold medals at the Barcelona Olympics of 1992, brought his guide-dog Unity to Weymouth, where he said the sun always seemed to shine.

He said: "I'm really passing on the inspiration of the 2012 games, ensuring it's not just about London but the whole country.

"It's truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and not just about sport.

"It's about people being able to realise their talents and feeling a sense of self-worth whether in sport, art or music."

He added: "The fact that the sailing events will be hosted here is a great example of how the games isn't just about London.

"It's great for the local economy and for you guys to see Olympic sport in your own backyard, it will make the environment of the games electric."