Flame of Friendship takes Olympic word to schools

The torch was designed by Finham Park pupil, Hester

An Olympic-style torch is to be passed around schools to promote Olympic and Paralympic values.

Organisers behind Coventry's Flame of Friendship said it will help build friendship links between participating schools in the run up to the Paris 2024 games.

The torch relay set off from Coventry Cathedral earlier and will visit more than 60 schools.

More than 2,000 pupils took part in a competition to design the torch, with the winning design submitted by 12-year-old Hester, from Finham Park Academy.

The torch will be carried between Coventry's 62 schools

Carrying the torch from the cathedral was Coventry's own Amelie Perkins, a Team GB water polo player.

"It will be nice to talk to all of the children and share my sporting experiences and hopefully inspire them," she said.

The torch was produced by WMG at the University of Warwick, which will host a finale event on 8 July.

The event celebrates friendship, team work, sports and international collegiality and has multiple opportunities for people from schools, the community and the university to get involved, said organisers.

The Paris Olympic Games start on 26 July.