Sporting hero returns to her roots
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Wendy Houvenaghel pictured with the PE department at the Rainey: Judith Atkinson, Charlie Simpson and Carolyn Burns.
WENDY Houvenaghel's victory tour continued last Thursday when she kept her promise and returned to visit children at Ampertaine Primary School.
Accompanied by Mr. Alfie Lee, Chairman of the school's Governors, and her beaming mother, May Mclean, Wendy was cheered into the children's morning assembly where she took pride of place among the pupils.
After their worship together, the children had opportunities to ask Wendy all about her training, her time in China and, of course, how it felt to be Northern Ireland's top female athlete. Wendy's coveted silver medal was on display for all to see and hold.
Alfie Lee spoke of the school's huge pleasure in her success and how proud the children were to have such a wonderful and dedicated former pupil as a role model. He thanked Wendy for her gift of a colour photograph and plaque and promised that it would take pride of place in the school's new extension which would be developed during this school year.
Mr. Garry McIlwaine, the school's Principal, spoke of the excitement that Wendy's successes at the World Championships and the Olympic Games had generated. He was thrilled that Wendy had brought along an Olympic flag which she had signed in the presence of the children. It was obvious that she thought highly of the children and was keen to do all she could to share her successes with them.
After her morning tea in Ampertaine, Wendy spent some time in Little Amps Early Years group where she met the staff and children. One very special little girl, Grace Montgomery who, unlike others was unable to see Wendy's medal, was given lots of time to hold, feel and explore it.
After all the usual photographs and queues of autograph hunters, Wendy thanked the school and the children. She said that she was just as proud of their achievements as they were of hers and that when she restarted her training schedule on Monday, she would still be thinking of the lovely singing, questions and good wishes she had received at the school.
Then on Friday September 5, the Rainey Endowed School held a homecoming celebration of a very special kind for the school's first ever Olympic Medal winner.
Since Wendy's last visit to the school in the spring, after her gold medal success in the Track World Championships in Manchester, the pupils of the school had eagerly followed her progress to the Olympic Games in Beijing.
So it was with considerable excitement that her return to the school with an Olympic silver medal was greeted at the special assembly which the school hosted to mark this wonderful achievement.
In the presence of the whole school community, as well as an audience of invited guests which included a number of Wendy's former teachers, Wendy was welcomed to the stage of the Johnston Hall by enthusiastic applause and cheers.
First of all, Mrs Margaret Hamilton, Chair of the Old Pupils' Association, paid tribute to Wendy's achievements.
Then after a few brief words, Headmaster, Mr R M Robinson invited Head Girl, Amy Short, to the stage. On behalf of the pupils of the school, Amy presented Wendy with a silver cuff and necklace in recognition of her success and as a souvenir of her visit to the school on this momentous occasion.
After this presentation, Wendy herself took the stage to say a few words and to invite questions from the pupils.
Clive Lindsay and Joanne Patterson from the AS Level PE class gave voice to some of the questions many of the pupils may have had: How was it racing against your team mate in the final? Did you see anyone famous in the Olympic village? Tell us about the special skin suit you wore? What dietary adjustments did you have to make? Wendy responded eloquently and engagingly to all of the questions and afterwards left the stage as she had arrived, amid the cheers and applause of her fans at the Rainey.
It was a memorable morning for all of the pupils present as they witnessed firsthand what hard work and determination could achieve. The school was also delighted to receive from Wendy a framed photograph of her in competition and a signed Olympic flag, which will be very fitting mementoes of this truly inspirational role model to the Rainey community.
