Funto Fabunmi-Alade and George Williams, both in their final year at Leighton Park School, could have been forgiven for wondering if there was an April Fool’s joke in the offing, when they were asked if they would like to represent the ABC Trust, a charity dedicated to helping the most vulnerable children and young people of Brazil, in the Gold Challenge fund raising event that took place in the Olympic Stadium in London on Sunday 1st April 2012.
Funto commented “I was beside myself with excitement, as not many people get the opportunity to have a stroll around the 60m warm up arena and then run down the 2012 Olympic 100m track and all for a great cause”.
George and Funto ran the 100m with runners from four other charities and were delighted when they came 1st and 2nd respectively, which was a great result for the ABC Trust and the school. The 25,000 strong crowd roared them onto the finishing line and gave them a thunderous round of applause.
George said “It was an amazing experience to run on the Olympic track, especially before the event itself. It was a great day and in support of a great charity in the ABC Trust: truly a chance of a lifetime”.
Leighton Park Head, Alex McGrath, who also attended the event, commented, "It was very special for pupils, staff and parents of Leighton Park to share in this event and to cheer on our athletes to success; all for such a worthy cause”.
