School hosts mini Olympics

A GRIMSBY school hosted its own mini Olympic Games as a three-year project improving international relations came to an end.

Whitgift School entertained students and staff from partner schools from Oslo, in Norway, Ettenheim in Germany, and Bormio in Italy, as part of their five-day visit to England.

And in the second year, they went to Ettenheim and all gave a presentation on one of their national sports – Whitgift choosing cricket.

The completion of the British council-funded project saw students gather in Whitgift's sports hall to play handball, cricket and football.

The project has been all about examining healthy living and sports, and creating friendships between the schools.

Claire Graves, assistant head teacher at Whitgift, said: "The event we held was designed so that all the students could share some of their national games.

"Handball is very big in Germany, whereas the Italians presented cycling and the Norwegians cross-country skiing.

"The main aim of the project is to make contact with other students, and learn about different school systems in different countries.

"Our students have had some amazing experiences being a part of this project."

Holly Walton (15), of Grimsby, went to Ettenheim, and also took part in the student games.

She said: "I've made some friends from different countries and found out how they learn, and the different sports that they like.

"For instance, in Ettenheim they stay in school until they are 18.

"It has been a great experience."

Stephen Day (16), of Grimsby, said: "It has been a very enjoyable thing to do and the other schools have been very welcoming.

"I have learnt a lot from it, especially when we went to Ettenheim and discovered how their system works and learnt about their sports."