IF you spot children at a York secondary school running around their field in giant plastic balls do not be alarmed – they are helping to launch the London 2012 Olympic Games.

To mark the theme of determination underpinning the Olympics and Paralympics, youngsters at Archbishop Holgate’s CE School are being encouraged to work hard to improve in one new sporting activity.

Among the many activities on offer are cheerleading, scaling a climbing wall and body zorbing, in which pupils roll around in inflatable balloons. Specialist instructors from across the city have been visiting the school to train children in different sports.

Matt Halifax, head of PE, said: “It’s broadening their experiences and taking a step outside what they normally do. It’s giving them the chance to excel.

“If a child is interested in a particular activity we will try to get them to a suitable club. It’s about life long participation in sport and leading them towards a healthy lifestyle.”

Children are also being given the chance to participate in sports such as wheelchair basketball and the ball game boccia, games included in the Paralympic games. Year seven pupils are being encouraged to walk to school instead of catching a lift.

To finish off the week the school hopes to raise up to £3,000 with a sponsored trampoline bounce throughout Friday in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Andrew Daly, head teacher at the school, said: “All the events we have organised for healthy week are successfully enthusing and engaging our students. In addition, key Olympic values such as respect, excellence and equality are closely linked to the positive ethos and values we promote in all our students.”