School's Olympic contribution rewarded

RUGBY School's contribution to the modern Olympics has been recognised with the presentation of the only replica of the prestigious Olympic Cup.

The birthplace of the game of rugby union was presented with the cup at London's Olympic Park 90 miles away, with British Olympic Association Head Lord Colin Moynihan presenting headteacher Patrick Derham with the trophy.

It was awarded to Rugby School as part of efforts to create a buzz around the games, which are now less than 200 days away.

Rugby School did not win the cup this year - it took the honour in 1915 - but has been loaned the only replica by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in recognition of the influence its famous 19th century headmaster, Dr Thomas Arnold, had on modern Olympic father Pierre de Coubertin.

The cup was first presented in 1906 by de Coubertin and is awarded each year to honour an institution, business or location that has contributed to the modern Olympic games in some form.

Rugby School's Dr Arnold shared educationist de Coubertin's view of physical education being central to schooling, proving this when the Frenchman visited the famous public school in the 1880s some time after Dr Arnold's death.

Because of this, Dr Arnold is seen as being the single most important influence on the life and thought of de Coubertin.

Presenting the award to Mr Derham, Lord Moynihan praised Rugby's contribution to the Olympics and its Arnold bursary scheme for children from deprived areas.