Students from Burnley and Islamabad in pioneering exchange visit (From Asian Image)

Students from Burnley and Islamabad in pioneering exchange visit

11:17am Tuesday 28th June 2011 in Education By Peter Magill, Chief reporter

OLYMPIC ideals are set to be shared by youngsters from Burnley and Islamabad as part of a pioneering exchange visit.

Several delegates from the Federal Government and Islamabad model boys schools will arrive at Blessed Trinity RC College under the 2012 games legacy project.

Not only will the visitors share in PE lessons at the Belvedere Road school but they will also attend games at Barden Primary and Brunshaw Primary.

Part of the International Inspiration Programme, it is designed to bring young people from different backgrounds closer through sport.

The link-up is the third international dimension for Blessed Trinity students – an exchange has been established with a school in Gauteng, South Africa, and pupils are also involved in a fledgling programme, focusing on China.

An initial visit has been pencilled in for their new Pakistani guests from July 4 to July 8, under the auspices of the British Council and Youth Sports Trust.

Sessions at the Spirit of Sport Centre and St Peter’s leisure centre are also being arranged for the delegation.

Andy Montrose, the school’s assistant headteacher, said: “As a school we recognise the impact such a partnership could have on our pupils on a local, national and international level.

“We appreciate that this unique opportunity will be challenging, but the aims and vision of the project mirror our own ethos as a Catholic college which promotes diversity and global community cohesion.”

Sports events including a duathlon and girls cricket will be showcased by one of the supporters of the scheme, Burnley Schools Sports Partnership.

Afrasiab Anwar, the partnership’s development manager, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting project and to develop a partnership with schools in Pakistan.

“This will complement ongoing work between Burnley schools and partner organisations and Blessed Trinity’s existing international links with China and Africa through the British Council.”