BORIS JOHNSON SAYS
"VOTE FOR LATIN!"
Boris Johnson, Shadow Education Secretary and high profile supporter of the Classics, spoke in support of an "amazing" pan-European Latin competition for sixth formers. The competition happened today in Paris, Berlin and Malvern, UK, and was aimed at bringing students from the three countries together to explore their heritage via a shared love of the Classics.
Boris said, "There is nothing more important or beautiful than Latin; it is not just beautiful in itself but also unlocks a great treasury of ancient literature. I hope very much that this project will restore the Classics and study of Latin to the place it used to occupy in the hearts of European people, and that we will be able to rebuild a single European consciousness – a sense of knowing where we came from - that goes with knowing Latin."
The competition consisted of a cultural test about the myth of Europa, who gave her name to our continent, and a Latin translation into English, French or German. The students in the three participating countries were linked by webcam and could see what was happening in the three centres at all times.
Boris spoke to the organisers and participants, saying, "I congratulate you all on your achievement and support the inspirational Classics teachers who have organised this amazing competition. This is the way forward: vote for Latin!"
Notes:
- CICERO stands for 'Certamen In Concordiam Europae Regionum Omnium' and means 'Competition to promote (in) harmony in all areas of Europe'.
- Photographs attached.
- The UK centre for this competition was Malvern St James.
