10,000 schools qualify for tickets to the London 2012 Games

St Jude's Church of England Primary School in Lambeth has become the 10,000th school to qualify for tickets to the London 2012 Olympic and Parlaympic Games donated through the 'Ticketshare' scheme. The school has secured their allocation by joining the London 2012 Education Programme's Get Set network which recognises and rewards schools' commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic Values.

The milestone was celebrated at St Jude's Church of England Primary school with a visit by two time Paralympic bronze medalist Sinclair Thomas. Sinclair met students and took part in an assembly to talk about his experiences as an athlete at the Paralympic Games.

Get Set is the official London 2012 education programme for schools and colleges across the UK. The programme provides students and teachers with access to free resources including films, activity and fact sheets to support young people to explore the Olympic and Paralympic Values and play their part in the London 2012 Games. Schools which demonstrate their commitment to living the Olympic and Paralympic Values to enhance their curriculum, can join the 'Get Set' network making them immediately eligible for Ticketshare tickets as well as a plaque, certificate and the right to use the London 2012 education logo on their website, school sign and letterhead. Schools that have registered with Get Set but have not joined the network have until 16 December to join and be eligible for the free tickets.

LOCOG Chair, Seb Coe said: 'It is fantastic that 10,000 schools right across the UK are actively demonstrating how they are using the Olympic and Paralympic Values in their schools. I would encourage all schools to become part of the network before 16 December to be eligible for tickets to the Games through the Ticketshare scheme'.

Through the Get Set network, 125,000 Olympic and Paralympic tickets are up for grabs for London's schools, to events at the Olympic Park and at iconic venues across the capital including Wembley Stadium and Lord's.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has pledged that one in eight youngsters will be able to see the Games for free by signing up.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'We have had a fantastic response to the Get Set scheme, which will help put thousands of school children at the heart of the action for London 2012.

'But there are still some schools who are yet to join the network and are running the risk of their pupils missing this once-in-a-generation chance to be part of the greatest show on earth.

'Almost two thirds of London's schools have signed up now so let's have one last push. With the deadline fast approaching I urge those remaining schools to get online at London 2012 and register now.'

Headteacher of St Jude's Church of England Primary School in Lambeth, Florence Wilson said: 'Our children, parents and staff have been keenly anticipating this momentous event. The children have practised new sports and learned about the Olympic and Paralympic Values. We have been particularly honoured to have received a visit from a renowned athlete, Sinclair Thomas - who was inspirational.'

For more information, visit: www.london2012.com

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