To prepare the Games Makers at the London 2012 Olypmic and Paralympic Games for their volunteer roles a number of young people have been involved in projects with children with disabilities.
The volunteers have also worked closely with local schools and charities to complete their Young Leaders training, designed to improve inter-personal, communication and leadership skills.
Over a two-year programme, more than 50 Young Leaders received training and mentoring from BP employees, delivered by national youth volunteering charity, vInspired, the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and Aberdeen Foyer.
The Young Leaders programme fulfils a commitment made during the London 2012 bid to see disadvantaged young people benefit from an intensive personal development programme, culminating in a high profile volunteering role as Games Makers at London 2012.
The volunteer projects have included working with local councils and charities to deliver sports days and arts and craft programmes for children with disabilities and peer education sessions at local schools.
Profile examples:
* Hally Nguyen, 18 years old, from Newham. Hally is now studying for her A-Levels at college. For her project she ran a talent show for performers in her local community. Hally’s mentor is Julie Amos from BP, based in Canary Wharf. Julie worked to help develop Hally’s personal life skills. She helped to build her confidence and spent a long time getting to know her – they bonded initially over their love of Twilight! Hally eventually grew in confidence and used to join Julie at her desk at the BP offices, she was able to witness Julie at work and build her confidence around people of different ages. Julie also encouraged Hally with her university application and helped her develop her UCAS form as well as practice her interview skills.
* Anjali Parshotam, from Hounslow, enrolled in the Young Leaders Programme and led an arts and crafts session for an after-school club in Hounslow. For her Group Project, Anjali conducted a multi-skills festival with the Aftercare Scheme at her old primary school in Hounslow. It was a project for disabled children and their siblings and allowed them to enjoy a variety of sports and games together. The Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust supported the project, with ex-Olympic swimmer Adam Whitehead also participating.
* Tanya Kemp, from Spelthorne, Surrey, a carer for her disabled brother, led an art project for young people with disabilities. Tanya is also currently planning a social event and Wii Dance night for young carers for her individual challenge.
Well prepared: Young people from Aberdeen, Hull, and London marked their two year participation in the London 2012 Young Leaders Programme, with LOCOG chair Seb Coe, double Olympic champion, Jonathan Edwards and their mentors on the personal development programme. Photo: LOCOG
