Hackney s Gainsborough School children took a break from fitness training to form the figure “500” to mark 500 days until the start of the Olympic Games, and Olympics tickets going on sale. The playground at Gainsborough School overlooks the International Press and Broadcast Centres and is the closest to the Olympic Park.

Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe, said Hackney and the other Host Boroughs were maximising the many benefits of the Games for residents:

“With 500 days to go until the Games comes to town, Hackney is ready to welcome the millions of visitors who will enjoy this sporting spectacle.

“But as a Council our priority is to secure the best possible legacy - including jobs for local people, better public transport, a new neighbourhood in the East of the borough, and a better environment.”

For residents who want to attend the Games, the Council has also worked hard to keep residents and staff completely up to date on ticket information, and how best to get the tickets they want, via the website.

Gainsborough School was the first to pioneer Hackney’s innovative Personal Bests athletics training programme. Personal Bests is aimed at children aged 9-11. All children record a baseline performance in six sports and each school then sends to the 12 children who have shown most improvement to the finals.

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Notes to editors

Joining the children to mark 500 days to go on 15 March was Hackney’s 2012 ambassador, Paralympic medallist, Dervis Konuralp.

Pic 1) Gainsborough school children form the number "500" to celebrate 500 days to go until the London 2012 Games

Pic 2) 10 year old Saif Islam shows off his winning shot put style for his Personal Bests programme.