When the 2020 Olympics finally took place in 2021, English Language Partners teachers in Palmerston North jumped at the opportunity to train learners in Olympic and sporty language.

With an initial focus on the Olympic symbols and competitive sports being played, the class were ‘well-exercised’ in the history of the Games and its associated language.

Learners followed the successes of our Kiwi athletes and a number of other competing countries. They tallied medal numbers, compared results and learnt to read tables and make graphs.

As a topic finale, the ESOL Literacy programme classes held- an interclass mini- Olympics with four events: Straw Javelin, Cup Ball, Balloon Volley and a walking relay.

Each class designed a team flag, learnt the ‘Fair Play’ Oath and trialled the events to find out who would represent the class in the finals.

The event opened with a flag parade, singing of the national anthem and repeating the Olympic Oath. Then it was ‘Let the Games begin’. Competition was fierce, cheering and laughter loud and winners finally announced!

The mini-Olympic event culminated with presentations of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and a well-deserved morning tea.

With thanks to teacher Helen Van Dan Ende for this story.

Olympics Oath

We promise to take part in these Olympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules and in the spirit of fair play, inclusion and equality. Together we stand in solidarity and commit ourselves to sport without doping, without cheating, without any form of discrimination. We do this for the honour of our teams, in respect for the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, and to make the world a better place through sport.

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