Young Games Makers prepare for London 2012
Twenty boys in Year 11 at QEGS have been successful in becoming official volunteers for the 2012 Olympics, as part of the Young Games Maker programme.
A team of ten boys will be working as Young Games Makers at the Olympics, with the other ten boys working at the Paralympics.
QEGS is the only school in Yorkshire to have student teams selected as Young Games Makers and, in addition, we are one of the few schools and organisations nationally to have had a team selected for both the Olympics and Paralympics.
900 teams from across the UK applied for this exciting opportunity, and everyone in the QEGS community is tremendously proud that our students form two of the 250 teams selected, and will play a pivotal role in making London 2012 happen.
Mr David Craig, Headmaster of QEGS Senior School “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity – we’re very proud of the boys – I just hope they don’t drop Mr Bolt’s running spikes!”
QEGS Young Games Makers
Olympics Team
Jamie Alderton, James Bennett, Nikhil Bhandari (VC), Jenson Brook, Chris Cooper, Melvin Fung (C), Ben Gatus, James Glover, Tom Logan and Safi Rehman
Paralympics Team
David Cadman, Nick Calvert, James Hart (VC), James Jenkins, Miles Prestcot, Daniel Robinson, Chris Tate, John Tunstall, Elliot Wing and Tom Yems (C)
View 'Young Games Makers' gallery.
Applying to become Young Games Makers
The idea to apply for the Young Games Maker programme was driven purely by the students, spearheaded by Melvin Fung, after learning that there was an opportunity for their age group (16-18 years) to become volunteers for the Olympics.
The boys have been supported along the way by a dedicated team of staff members - Mrs Satari, Mrs Sheard, Mrs Jenkins and Mr Jones.
During the application process, the boys went down to London to participate in a team selection event. Teams were put through a series of skills-based tests to demonstrate their ability to perform and show they have what it takes. This included how well they worked as a team; how well they followed instructions; how well and quickly they responded to change and time management skills. They also had to create and present an advert to promote the Paralympics.
The boys (and staff) credit their successful selection for these roles to their excellent display of team spirit and determination to be part of this historical event.
The boys have got a once in a lifetime opportunity to play their part in delivering a world class event. The memories and experiences that they will take away with them will last a lifetime, as will the sense of pride and achievement and the friends they will make.
The Role of Young Games Makers
Each team will be trackside as official kit carriers for the athletes from around the world. They will escort athletes around the stadium, carry their kit box, report any issues that may arise and distribute official results.
Preparing for the Olympics
The boys have been attending training sessions in London, most recently on the 4th and 5th of May. During this weekend, the boys enjoyed the opening ceremony of the Olympic Stadium – a spectacular celebration with fireworks and balloons, witnessed by a 40,000 audience (half of the total 80,000 capacity of the stadium).
They also got to walk on the Olympic track, familiarised themselves with the Olympic Stadium, attended seminars and briefing on their roles and received their accreditation. The teams return to London again in July to collect their official Young Games Makers kit.
Melvin Fung, Captain of the Olympics Team “This will provide a unique experience for all 20 of us -be it at the Olympics or Paralympics. When I saw that there was an opportunity for people to get involved at 16-18 years of age, I jumped at this chance and we were all delighted that we had two teams chosen. London 2012 is the place to be and we are honoured to be part of the Olympic spirit and be there next to the Athletes when they perform. It is great to be part of a historical event!”
In the run up to London 2012, the boys are also busy juggling GCSE revision as well as undertaking numerous fundraising initiatives to raise the £18,000 they need to support this amazing experience.
Their memories and experiences will form a valuable legacy, passed on to future generations of their families and QEGS students.