9:00am Friday 3rd September 2010
LONDON Olympic mascot Mandeville was the guest star to help 1,300 youngsters enjoy the Herefordshire Youth Games as part of Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week.
Thirty primary schools and five high schools gathered at Hereford Leisure Centre and took part in a number of sports ranging from rugby and cricket to boccia and curling.
Mandeville – who along with Wenlock was unveiled as the London 2012 mascots in May – arrived to cheer the children on and to spy some potential Olympians of the future.
And Almeley Primary School pupil Matthew Bennett admitted meeting Mandeville and being involved in the day would live long in the memory.
“The day has been really fun because I have been doing some running and jumping and all sorts which I like doing,” he said.
“It was really cool meeting Mandeville and he looks really funny with his one giant eye and spiky head but it was good that he came to see us.”
Mastermind of the day’s event was Amy Jenkins – sports development officer for Herefordshire Council – and after a seeing the positive reaction from the children she was quick to label the event a success.
“The day has gone really well,” she said. “We had an opening ceremony which was great and then all the kids went out and did their sports and seemed to have a lot of fun.
“Mandeville came down to see the kids and it was brilliant because he came through the crowd and highfived and they were all really excited to see him.
“A lot of people have come together to make this happen and it has been great that everyone across the county is working together for such a good cause like National School Sports Week.”
Find out more about Lloyds TSB National School Sport Week and help a local school win sports equipment by pledging your support now at weblink: lloydstsb.com/london2012
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