Winter Olympics at the Middle School
by Michelle Murdock, HCAM News Editor
March 1, 2010

Watch this program online

Students at the Middle School finished up their Winter Olympics program with a final ceremony and a visit from Paul Martin; author, athlete and speaker.

The Winter Olympics program is taught at the middle school every four years, timed to coincide with the Olympic Games and involves athletic competition and other events. 
Students in grades six, seven and eight are grouped by country and compete to earn points towards gold, silver and bronze medals.

According to physical education teacher Deb Pinto, there is more involved that athletic prowess. Pinto gave an example of one group of students who sang the Canadian national anthem and another group who did research on a country’s cultural heritage. Both of these activities earn that spirit points and help determine who gets the medals.

“They really get into it and show a lot of enthusiasm,” said Pinto.

As part of the closing ceremony, students filed into the auditorium to listen to Paul Martin’s story. In 1992, a car accident claimed Paul’s left leg below the knee, but rather than giving up, Paul used his disability as a catalyst to test his physical abilities. Students listened as Martin described how he overcame adversity and went on to become a world class athlete and a two time Paralympic medalist as a member of the US Cycling Team.

“You have the power to shape your future,” said Martin as he told the students of his trials and tribulations in overcoming and learning to deal with his disability.

“I have a real passion for athletics, they’re fun and I’m good at it,” said Martin.

The presentation by Martin was arranged and funded by the Hopkinton Parent Teacher Association as part of their enrichment program.