Olympian inspiration for hundreds of primary pupils

Over 500 primary children will converge on Teesside University to design their very own Olympic Games as part of the annual Meteor Summer School.

Meteor was launched by the University in 1999 to inspire local primary year-six pupils to think about further and higher education.

It offers a series of activities, on and off campus, as well as the opportunity for pupils to meet and talk to current students.

This year’s Meteor Summer School, which runs from 2-6 July, is based around the Olympics to coincide with London 2012. The youngsters will be tasked with creating their own opening ceremony, as well as designing their own stadium, medals, t-shirts and mascots.

Through the Meteor Summer School, Teesside University gained the prestigious Inspire Mark, awarded by the London 2012 Inspire programme, which recognises organisations delivering projects and events genuinely inspired by the 2012 Games.

Only the most accessible, participative, inspiring and stimulating projects and events achieved the Inspire mark, which is part of the London 2012 brand.

Joe Bulmer, Recruitment Assistant in Teesside University’s Department of Marketing & Student Recruitment, said: 'To receive the Inspire Mark was great recognition for all the work we have done around London 2012. As well as helping to set the scene for the Olympics, the Meteor Summer School also opens pupils up to potential careers and study opportunities.

'It is fantastic to get them into the University and experience first-hand some of the fantastic things Teesside has to offer.'

When Meteor was first launched in 1999 it was offered to six schools in central Middlesbrough and has now expanded to around 30 primary and secondary schools across the Tees Valley.

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