Olympic medallist presents Lord Bill’s Challengers’ awards

A challenging expedition, volunteering in the community, undertaking a physical activity, and developing new skills and interests, was rewarded recently when students from Lord Williams’s school, Thame, were presented with their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards from London 2012, canoe slalom gold medallist, Tim Baillie.

The presentation evening was opened by Assistant Headteacher, Rob Brooks, who introduced the guest speaker and congratulated the 136 students who received their award. Tim showed the students some film of him participating in London 2012, followed by a motivating speech about the many years of hard work and preparation it had taken to achieve Olympic success. Tim encouraged the students to adopt a “do your best” mentality and to enjoy participating in sport in the future.

London 2012, Canoe Slalom gold medallist, Tim Baillie

Headteacher of Lord Williams’s School, David Wybron, added: “136 students received their Bronze and Silver awards this evening. This represents a great achievement for our students, not just because of the character-building participation in expeditions, or the need to master a new skill but also the commitment to do something for others, which is part of their community service. We are proud of their achievements. I would also like to thank all the teachers and parents who devote so much time to help them achieve such a special award.”

Students were also congratulated by Oxfordshire County Council’s DofE Manager, Richard Aldridge, who added: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award provides young people with a unique set of skills for life and work, so
it’s a credit to the school that they enable so many of their pupils to access and complete the award. It was great to see so many parents at the presentation evening supporting the school and seeing young people receive their award.”

This year a further 145 students at Lord Williams’s are pursuing their Bronze Award, 35 students are working at Silver level and 28 students are working towards their Gold Award. David Wybron concluded: “This would not be possible without the continued support of local volunteers and a wide range of community organisations, clubs and societies that welcome the young people into their regular activities.”