2008 Olympics begin at McNulty Academy

Opening ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympics were held at McNulty Academy for International Studies on Tuesday.

No, these are not the actual Olympics; those will be held in China in August. However, McNulty’s ceremony was modeled after traditional Olympic opening ceremonies and included events such as the Parade of Nations and lighting the Olympic flame. Students have been competing in a variety of athletic competitions, such as volleyball, sprints, relay races, hurdles, discuss, shot put, and more.

“The Olympic games bring the international community together, so holding our own games is another way for us to live up to our international magnet school curriculum,” said Principal Barbara Peterson.

McNulty students have been studying different countries all year long, with each grade focusing a different country. Students represented their country during the Parade of Nations by carrying the country’s flag and wearing colored T-shirts.

Second-graders have learned about China, which is hosting the games this year. So, second-graders wore red T-shirts and lead the parade from McNulty to the football field across the street at Lynch Literacy Academy and then back again.

Back in the school gymnasium, school district Superintendent Ron Limoncelli told the students it was a proud moment for him to see them parading around the football field. He also cited the Olympic creed as a reminder that winning is not everything.

The creed states, “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.”

“I know you all want to win,” Mr. Limoncelli said, “but even if you don’t, take pride in the fact that you tried your best.”

To view a photo gallery of the opening ceremonies, click here.