Whilst the country, and London in particular, is gearing up for the Olympic Year, a group of sports students are excitedly planning their own 2012 having just learnt they have been selected to take part in the Paralympic Games as LOCOG Young Games Makers.

The honour was awarded to the 10 students from the Faculty of Sport, Leisure and Tourism at Exeter College after a testing set of activities and interviews at the London 2012 HQ at the end of last year.

Talking after they received the news that they would be now be poolside with the competitors and officials at the swimming events Pete Chapman, head of the faculty said “This is really a once in a lifetime experience and we’re so proud of the group to have been selected against so many other applicants. The team had to prove they could work as an effective group and focus on problem solving – many skills they learn whilst studying their course however they were under immense pressure in London to succeed.”

Hannah Chard, 17 from Exeter, who recently also attended the Underwater Hockey World Championships said “I feel this will be a great experience, team places are so limited for Young Games Makers to volunteer. We are 1 of 200 teams which were selected for all aquatics (Swimming, Diving, Waterpolo and Synchronised swimming) for the Olympics and Paralympics from the whole of Britain. We worked really well as a group, there is a really good bond in the team, everyone gets on really well together. I’m really excited to be meeting athletes who are competing on the world scene and having the opportunity to meet inspirational heroes, some from similar backgrounds to us. It demonstrates no matter who you are, excellence can be achieved.”

Callum Shipton, 17 from Torquay said “Being part of the Olympic Young Games Makers programme is something I am really excited about because this could be the only time the Olympics will be in England in my lifetime. I am really looking forward to working with Olympic athletes and cannot wait to be involved.”

Brendan Fitzpatrick, 17 from Exmouth said “I am really looking forward to it, I will get a lot from the experience. The team is looking really good and I cannot wait to go!”

Rob Brimacombe – leader of the group said “We’re all looking forward to the next stage of training which includes team training, a test event at the British Championships and then in June the students will be drilled on how to work in the Olympic Park Aquatics Centre itself before the Paralympic Aquatic Events which run from Aug 30th to September 8th.”