VISIT OF SIR MATTHEW PINSENT TO PC ON 24th JUNE 2010
Portadown College was honoured to be visited by one of Britain's greatest ever Olympians, four times gold medal winning oarsman Sir Matthew Pinsent, on 24th June 2010.
As part of Sport Comes to Town and with his role as an ambassador for the London Olympics in 2012 very much the impetus for the visit, Sir Matthew was able to see College students, and those from some other local primary and secondary schools, take part in a range of different sporting activities on the school playing fields.
Sir Matthew was also able to witness a presentation on the sporting career of PC's own Olympic gold medal winner, Dame Mary Peters. He spoke to an assembly of students and answered questions from some of his captive audience. Sir Matthew was relaxed, affable and answered the questions with good humour. He had his four Olympic gold medals with him and they were passed around the Assembly Hall for all to see and touch - a very generous gesture on his part. Pupils (and one or two older members of the audience) queued up to get his autograph and at least one very excited budding oarsman in Year 11 was able to get his own rowing kit signed by his hero.
Here are some photographs of Sir Matthew Pinsent's visit to PC:
Sir Matthew Pinsent making a presentation to College Principal, Mr Simone Harper. He is joined by (from left to right) Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr Peter Aiken, Head of Boys' P.E., Mr Andrew Symington and College Governor, Mr Robin Kenny.
Sir Matthew pictured with his four gold medals and some impressed students who had been taking part in a range of sporting activities on the school playing fields.