Champion kids live Olympic dream

2nd February 2010, by Chris Gill

The lucky young pair meet the GB Olympic curling team

As Winter Olympic Games fever builds, two excited youngsters will be on their way to Vancouver shortly to live their dream as McDonald’s Champion Kids.

Nicole Ritchie and Tom Walsh, both 15, won the chance to go to the Vancouver through a McDonald’s media competition, which set out to find two children with a passion for winter sports and take them on an all-expenses paid trip to the games.

McDonald’s is a Worldwide Olympic Partner for the 2010 games and the Champion Kids programme will offer Tom and Nicole the chance to experience the games first-hand, to meet the athletes and visit the Olympic Village. The teenagers have already visited the official Kitting Out Ceremony for team GB, as well as the official launch at Somerset House, London.

Tom has a rare, and potentially fatal, allergy to cut grass. Despite his condition though, Tom’s parents actively encouraged his involvement in sport from an early age – the lad is now a regular snowboarder at the Devon dry ski slope. And Nicole is the No.1 youth skier in Scotland and ranked No.5 in the World. She is hoping to represent Britain in the World Schools Skiing and British Championships later this year.

The Champion Kids fly to Vancouver during the second week of the Olympic Winter Games, where as well as watching the events they will also be asked to keep a diary on their experiences.

McDonald’s spokesperson Alastair Marks, commented: “The McDonald’s Champions Kids programme is giving budding young winter sports enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Winter Olympic Games is a great sporting occasion, and it’s fantastic that as Worldwide Olympic Partner McDonald’s can give these youngsters an experience they will never forget.”

‘It’s going to be a fantastic trip,’ said Tom.

• competition
• olympics
• kids

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