Pupils from St Ninians Primary were joined by double world champion para athlete Sammi Kinghorn to carry the Queen’s Baton on their specially built circuit outside the school's playground.
St Ninians Primary launched the programme to improve the health of pupils by ensuring they walk or run a mile every day. The initiative has proven enormously successful and has been adopted by schools across the world since its launch at St Ninians in 2011.
Baton bearer Sammi Kinghorn, who scooped gold in the 100m and 200m T53 at the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London, met each of the pupils as they stopped to touch the baton along the route.
The school was also presented with a banner from Coolangatta State School in Queensland, which is linked with St Ninians as part of the Gold Coast 2018 Schools connect programme.
The event, attended by Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Minister for Public Health and Sport Aileen Campbell, was part of a five-day tour around Scotland celebrating next year’s Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast. The Relay began at Buckingham Palace in March and has since travelled through Africa, the Caribbean, Canada, the Falkland Islands and England before arriving in Scotland.
Headteacher Carolann Morrow said: “For the school to have been selected to be a stopping point on the Queen’s Baton Relay is a huge honour. It is a fantastic recognition of both the popularity of the exercise programme and of the children’s enthusiasm for taking part, which has played such a large role in making the concept a success.
“For the pupils to have been able to take part in the relay alongside a world champion athlete will excite the children about the fantastic spectacle of athletic competition that will take place on Australia’s Gold Coast next year.”
Stirling Council’s Education Committee Convener, Susan McGill said: “The Daily Mile, introduced in St Ninians Primary in Stirling, is a powerful tool to improve children's fitness and I am proud that our schools led the way in improving children's health.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is an iconic symbol of the Commonwealth Games and the involvement of St. Ninians pupils will inspire pride in the local community and across the region.”
The Queen’s Baton carries a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II that calls the Commonwealth’s athletes to come together in peaceful and friendly competition.
Designed for each Games by the host nation, the 2018 Queen’s Baton has a distinctive loop design and has been made using macadamia wood and reclaimed plastic, sourced from Gold Coast waterways, and inspired by the region’s vibrant spirit and indigenous heritage.
Pictured: Sammi Kinghorn and mascot Clyde meeting pupils from St Ninians Primary School this morning.