Paralympic Torch honour for district

It is a second honour for the district, which had already been chosen to host part of the Olympic Torch relay in June.

The London 2012 Organising Committee has named Kirklees as the host of one of its Flame Celebrations to mark the Paralympic Torch relay.

Children and young people of all abilities will be at the heart of celebrations on Friday August 24, which will include a Kirklees Youth Games event.

Kirklees Cabinet member Coun Jean Calvert (Lab, Ashbrow) said: “It is a great honour that Kirklees has been chosen as one of 34 communities which will host Flame Celebrations and be part of the events taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

“Hosting both the Olympic Torch relay and Paralympic Torch Flame Celebration this year provides fantastic opportunities to bring to life the London Olympics for the children involved in the education programme as well as the wider population of Kirklees.”

Hundreds of schoolchildren across the district will take part in a Live and Learn Like a Champion programme in the run-up to the summer’s sporting events.

The programme features a range of sporting and cultural activities based on the seven Olympic and Paralympic values of friendship, respect, excellence, equality, courage, determination, and inspiration.

Each pupil will keep a Legacy Log to record their activities and receive a bronze, silver or gold certificate.

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