Grainger and Olympic Flame mark end of Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week

By Craig Chisnall, Sportsbeat

MORE THAN 250 Edinburgh school children were given a taste of London 2012 today when the newly unveiled Olympic Flame made the trip to the final day of Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week celebrations.

ON THE MARCH: Three-time Olympic champion Katherine Grainger gets her hands on the Olympic Torch as part of Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week

Three-time Olympic silver-medallist Katherine Grainger was on hand to carry the Torch around the Meadowbank Stadium as pupils from seven schools across the capital got an exclusive glimpse of the Flame during their own opening ceremony.

The Flame wasn't the only special guest as London 2012 mascots Wenlock and Mandeville were on hand to show their support to the pupils, who were competing in a host of track and field events.

And Grainger has called on Scottish parents across the land to pledge their support for Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week and give their child the chance to carry the torch during the Torch relay next year.

"I was thrilled to get my hands on the Torch so for the children to see it so soon must have been amazing from them and it was clear to see how excited they were," said Grainger.

"And for them to get the chance to run with the Olympic Flame when Bank of Scotland brings the Olympic Torch Relay brings it to our communities would be something truly memorable for them.

"I encourage parents to get involved today, pledge their support and also nominate someone who has made a difference in their community to run with the Torch." 

The Scottish public will also get their chance to nominate who they believe should carry the torch with Grainger quick to get in on the act.

Grainger's former art teacher at Bearsden Academy, Ken Davis, who also taught her karate, has been put forward for his work in the local community.

And nine-year-old Sean Ward from St Francis Primary School admitted it was a great experience to meet Grainger in person.

"I've watched Katherine Grainger on the television a lot so to see her here with the Olympic Flame was amazing," said Sean.

Grainger wasn't the only sporting royalty on show with Bank of Scotland Local Heroes Lisa McKenzie, Callum Airlie and Callum O'Donnell all in attendance to lend their support.

Fencer McKenzie said: "It's fantastic to see so many kids being so active and trying out such a wide range of sports.

"And who knows who we might have running around here today - there could be a couple of major sporting stars of tomorrow here."

Airlie is used to showing off his skills on the water as one of Scotland's brightest up-and-coming sailors and he said: "Something like National School Sport Week gives some of these kids a huge opportunity to try out sports that ordinarily they wouldn't get the chance to do at all."

Meanwhile in Kirkintilloch Commonwealth Games swimming champion Robbie Renwick passed on his tips for the top as Holy Family Primary School ended their week of events on a high.

Primary five, six and seven pupils got the chance to try swimming, hockey, gymnastics and taekwondo with 11-year-old Jennifer Muir having a day to remember.

Muir was given a masterclass by Renwick and said: "Robbie asked me to swim 50ms and then he told me to keep my legs straighter when I kick so I would go faster.

"I did what he said and it worked - it was great fun."

Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week, in partnership with sportscotland, uses London 2012 to inspire children to achieve a personal best in Olympic and Paralympic sports.  To help your local school carry the Olympic Flame in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, or to win tickets, visit: www.bankofscotland.co.uk/nationalschoolsportweek