London 2012: Newham schoolchildren to form ‘guard of honour’ at opening ceremony

Dozens of Newham youngsters will take to the stage at the Olympic Games opening ceremony on July 27.

Pupils from Gallions Primary School in Beckton and Langdon and Vicarage Primary Schools, of East Ham, will be among those forming a guard of honour for athletes.

They will line the route as the competitors make their way through the Olympic Park into the Olympic Stadium.

The schoolchildren have been preparing themselves for this moment, with lanterns and banners created to support each of the 204 competing teams.

The schools were selected through the Get Set network, the official London 2012 education programme.

Locog chairman Seb Coe said: “The presence of so many young people at the start of the Olympic Games opening ceremony will continue to show London 2012’s commitment to put young people at the heart of the Games.

“For athletes, the guard of honour will provide a stunning welcome to the Games and a perfect curtain raiser for the Athletes’ Parade.”