Manchester head teacher honoured with memorial games.
Children took part in games in memory of a headteacher described as "hero."
Hundreds of children from across Manchester have taken part in commando style games at the Etihad Stadium today, in memory of a head teacher described by many as a ‘hero.’
When Guy Hutchence died suddenly earlier this year, it sent shockwaves through the Manchester schools he had served for 30 years.
The Guy Hutchence Memorial Trophy has been founded to honour pupils who show strength of character and resilience in and out of the classroom. It was awarded at a special tournament today when pupils from 14 schools – including the school where he last served as Principal, East Manchester Academy - will battle it out in a series of mental and physical agility tests in front of Shadow Education Secretary Lucy Powell MP.
Hosted by Wise Owl Trust, where Mr Hutchence served as a governor, the challenge day at Manchester Regional Arena was described as the perfect tribute to a teacher who transformed the educational landscape for thousands of pupils in some of Manchester’s hardest hit areas
Challenges have been devised by Commando Joe’s, who send their elite team of ex-military veterans in to schools across Manchester to work on character-building and resilience. The instructors have created five arenas to work on all the skills Mr Hutchence tried to bring in to the schools he worked in.
Organiser Sophie Murfin, Principal at Seymour Road Academy, said: “This event is celebrating Guy’s innovative leadership and passion for making sure all the children of East Manchester have the best opportunities in life.
“He was a firm believer in helping children build strength of character, whatever life throws at them – so he would have loved the idea of this tournament organised by Commando Joe’s.”
Long-serving headteacher Mr Hutchence was famous across the city as a driving force behind projects designed to help pupils from deprived or challenging backgrounds.
He was one of the first headteachers in the country to enlist the services of Commando Joe’s, a company made up of army, navy and RAF veterans who now work in over 300 UK schools teaching teambuilding skills and resilience.
By Madeline Wood