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Believe in yourself, top sprinter Usain Bolt tells pupils at rural Moray school


By Lorna Thompson

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MOSSTOWIE Primary School pupils were shocked to receive a personal message of encouragement from one of the world's top athletes – Usain Bolt.

The eight times' Olympic Gold medallist urged children at the rural school to keep up the good work after its parent council wrote to a number of high-profile figures asking whether they'd contribute to a montage video to celebrate everyone's efforts during the pandemic.

In the video, Usain tells pupils: "I know the pandemic has been rough on everyone.

"I know it's been tough but you have to believe in yourself.

"You have to work hard and remember that you're working towards a goal. If you want to be like Usain Bolt, you have to put in the work.

"And I promise that if you do work, mum will make sure that you get special time on the computer, you can watch some cartoons and play some games.

"So just work hard, dedicate yourself and you'll be fine."

Usain – considered to be the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen – was not the only celebrity to respond.

Authors Lindsay Littleson, Barbara Henderson and Jeremy Strong all sent messages of encouragement to the school of around 60 pupils.

Elgin City Football Club chairman Graham Tatters also contributed, wishing pupils all the best on their return to school after the pandemic disruption.

Parent Emma Pearson-Brand said: "We emailed many people to see if they would be willing to record a brief video message of support.

"We received three videos from children's authors and one from a local football club chairman.

"However, the biggest shock to us was that we actually received a personal video from Usain Bolt.

"We were overwhelmed when we received it.

"Although we sent emails to people of that fame level, we never actually expected to hear back from them.

"It was a massive shock and we were simply overwhelmed that he took the time to record such a thoughtful message."


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