TODAY, Morningside Primary School organised and hosted a 27.5km Olympic Torch Run, a relay involving 15 other schools, all the way from Sherwood Primary School to Morningside Primary School where an official torch-lighting event was held.
The Olympic Torch Run was conceptualised 20 years ago by a Morningside Primary School teacher, Eugiene Neville. She remembered how when they began, only four schools took part.
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“I’m proud to see how the event has grown. As we always mark the Olympics, the torch run is about friendship among learners from different schools as well as the staff. I commend the current organising team for growing its popularity,” said Neville.
She said that she hoped that, in the future, more friendships would be forged and that the participants would see sports from a less competitive perspective.
“We have to thank the staff of our schools, who worked tirelessly since May. I would like to commend the lead organiser, Rayner Singh. We applaud the friendship and camaraderie we witnessed along the road and metro police for their visibility,” said school principal Naren Boodhoo.
He hoped that the run would strengthen links among schools, where more schools would join in the relay.
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Princess Shamase, Durban Central’s acting chief education specialist, was impressed with the event. “We have not seen such an event in our district. The Olympic Torch Run brings awareness to learners, enabling thousands of possible future Olympians to be inspired. I encourage other schools to partake as this will ensure social cohesion among youngsters,” said Shamase.
Durban Girls’ College sports coordinator and hockey Olympian, Jonty Robinson, knows the Olympic bug too well. “The Olympic Torch Run is so inspirational. The kids realise that their dreams are not far-fetched. Every child in sports, swimming, hockey, track, etc, can be inspired by such offerings,” he said.
The event has taken place every four years since 2014 with the exception of the previous Olympics because of Covid-19.
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