Teenagers to be part of 2012 Games in team-building drive

TEENAGERS from Hull have been picked to take part in a special mentoring scheme that will see them get a chance to be part of the London 2012 Games, organisers have announced.

The youngsters – members of the London 2012 Young Leaders Programme – have already had project briefings, taken part in leadership, communication and team-building exercises.

They have also received talks from sports stars including double Olympic athletics champion Dame Kelly Holmes, Olympic swimmer Adam Whitehead and Paralympic skier Anna Turney.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Five young people from the city are among 100 from across the country chosen for the scheme, which London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said was in tune with the ethos of the Games.

He said: "As part of our original bid commitment, the London 2012 Young Leaders project fits clearly with our vision of engaging and inspiring young people.

"Volunteering is not only an integral part of creating positive change in communities and developing skills in young people, but also essential to the success of the Games.

"Through this project we will be able to help develop the skills in these young people, taking them on a personal journey of development whilst benefiting the communities they live in."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Workers from energy giant BP, one of London 2012's sponsors, are also providing guidance during the 18-month training programme, where they will also help set up and stage a range of local volunteering projects, particularly targeting other youngsters.

Upon completion, the teenagers could get the chance to be a London 2012 volunteer.

Ben Marshall, from Team Hull, said: "I'm interested in learning new skills. Volunteering will look excellent on my CV and will help me get the most out of life in the future."

The other participants come from Aberdeen and the London area. They will receive leadership coaching from one hundred BP employees and a number of high profile athlete mentors many of whom are Olympians and Paralympians, to help them along their way.

The intention is that the 100 selected Young Leaders will work to recruit and engage other young volunteers from their local area in order to support their community activities.

Related topics: