The lucky six beat hundreds of school children across Wandsworth and Merton at trials held last November in the college’s brand new sports hall.
Lucky students from South Thames College are set to be tennis ball boys and girls at the 2012 Olympics in June.
The chosen six beat hundreds of school children across Wandsworth and Merton at trials held last November in the college’s brand new sports hall.
During the trials, run by the London Organisation Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, they demonstrated their skills through activities including running drills and teambuilding.
The event was part of LOCOG’s Young Games Maker programme.
They have started intensive training to learn the important skills and etiquette such as umpiring and how to the roll the ball.
The college is part of the Get Set network which promotes Olympic values. They have organised numerous disability awareness events supported by Seb Coe and Paralympic athletes.
Seb Coe said: “I am proud to welcome South Thames College to the Get Set network for their exciting work around the Olympic Values.”
Computing student, Priscilla Wilson, 16, said: “When I found out I’d got through I was shocked and excited.”
She says the role is overlooked but essential and is looking forward to being involved in London 2012.
Andrew Beardall, Head of Student Enrichment, who coordinated the trials, said: “I am delighted our students have the opportunity to participate in such an important role.”
He added: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for them to be in the heart of the games.”
The six students will be involved in a test event at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon, in June, and recently returned from a training camp at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton.
On top of being involved in the momentous event they will also get to attend the Olympic opening ceremony before participating in the games.
College Principal, Sue Rimmer OBE, says the college embeds the Olympic values into everyday life and they are proud to be part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.
She said: “We have a wealth of talented and exceptional students that are out in the local community doing positive things.”
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