Olympic torch spotlight on duo
Kate Steer Olympic Torch Bearer, with some of the school choir Seaford Primary School 06/07/12
AS OLYMPIC fever spreads across the nation, a proud Seaford schoolboy and a mother-of-two are gearing up for their moment in the spotlight.
Danny Rowe, 12, and Kate Steer have both been chosen to be torchbearers and are excitedly waiting the countdown when they take their turn to represent Sussex.
Kate, 52, has volunteered for years at Seaford Primary School helping with the choir and orchestra.
Over the years she has taken children to sing in nursing homes and each year they go to the O2 to show off their talents.
The Jevington Drive resident first started out at the Wilkinson Way school 20 years ago when her eldest son was a pupil and she used to play the piano.
Described as a ‘musical inspiration’ to children and staff at the school and ‘loved by all’ Kate, who is now employed at the school but still volunteers to help out even more on a regular basis, said of finding out she had been picked to carry the torch, “It’s absolutely amazing. I was stunned in the first place to be nominated and really chuffed.
“I was really pleased and feel honoured.”
The Seaford resident, who has been practising her part by running round the field while the children hold an inflatable torch, will be pounding the streets of Eastbourne next Tuesday (July 17).
She added, “I’m really excited.
“I have got the children involved and they have a blow up torch. I have been running round the field and the children have been holding the torch.
“It’s about them, because they are the inspiration for me. They are really excited about it. About 160 children are coming to see me on the day.”
On Wednesday, July 18, 12-year-old Danny Rowe will be taking part in the Hastings leg.
The Cuckmere House School pupil, who lives with his nan, was nominated by teacher Phillippa Brooks and Secondary School assistant headteacher Ian Bower.
Danny, who has ADHD, was put forward for his determination and because it would be a much-needed boost.
In a statement Mrs Brooks and Mr Bower wrote, ‘It is testament to his very likeable character that Danny has made the progress that he has at school.
‘He demonstrates good leadership skills in his tutor group and can be a very encouraging team member. Others in his group know that he can be a loyal friend.
‘Danny has a clear sense of fairness and right and wrong borne out both during sporting activities and playing games in class.
‘Danny is aware of areas of his behaviour that need to change and shows determination in improving himself.
‘In spite of his positive qualities Danny lacks a sense of self worth and the opportunity to be nominated as a flame carrier will be a fabulous boost’.
Speaking ahead of the event Mrs Brooks said, “We are very excited for Danny and proud of him being selected to represent the school.
“We are looking forward to supporting him on the 18th in Hastings.”
r For more details of the Olympic torchbearers see this Friday’s Herald for an eight-page feature. There will also be coverage of the route at: www.eastbourneherald.co.uk and www.hastingsobserver.co.uk”
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Weather for Eastbourne
Sunday 26 May 2013
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