The 37 All Saints pupils who performed in the ceremony

All Saints School pupils from Dagenham carry Olympic petals during Friday’s electrifying opening ceremony

By Nadia Sam-Daliri
Monday, July 30, 2012
4:32 PM

Almost 40 Dagenham schoolchildren did their borough proud as they accompanied the world’s top athletes through the Olympic Stadium during Friday’s electrifying opening ceremony.

Some of the All Saints pupils before they headed out to represent some of the 204 nations competing in the Games

The All Saints RC School pupils, from years seven and eight, were among the 204 east London youngsters chosen to play their part in Danny Boyle’s acclaimed Games opener.

Walking with nations including Jamaica, Italy and India during the athletes’ parade, the 37 pupils each carried one of the beautiful copper petals through the stadium before they were lit in unison to form the spectacle that was the Olympic cauldron.

Describing the experience as “absolutely amazing”, their teacher, Kerry Tabb, paid tribute to the brave youngsters, who carried out their role immaculately while a global audience of 1billion watched.

She said: “They were so excited. All the other cast members were there and the atmosphere was amazing. We left the stadium when the last child came in and sat and watched the fireworks outside the stadium.

Teacher Kerry Tabb, Olympic co-ordinator for All Saints School

“I was in shock. The kids were all taking calls from their parents.

“It was great the ceremony included a lot of children. I think it will generate a big buzz around sport in the coming years for this generation.”

All Saints was chosen by Olympic organisers, along with schools from the five other host boroughs, because of their engagement in the official London 2012 education programme Get Set.

The chosen schools have also incorporated Olympic and Paralympic values into their curriculum.

Cheryl Manning, Liam Murphy, Paul Keating and Ismael Arrarte were the other staff members from the school, in Terling Road, that coached the children during their the months of rehearsals for the ceremony.

Ms Tabb added: “I want to thank the parents for their understanding and support and we hope they enjoyed every minute of it. A big congratulations to all the petal children for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. We are so proud of them,”

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