South Thames College has hosted trials in search of Olympic ball-boys and ball-girls. The venture was part of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games’ search for young volunteers through the Young Games Maker Programme. South Thames College is one of only three venues in London to host such an event.

Twenty-five students from South Thames College had the chance to try out, along with 16-18 year olds from other schools in the Wandsworth borough. As part of the session they were put through their paces and given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and ability during a series of activities and skills drills. Tom Gibbins, Head of Education at the Tennis Foundation, said, “The Tennis Foundation is delighted to support the ball-boys and ball-girls volunteering programme. It’s great to see the excitement for young people being put through their paces, and selected finalists will have the opportunity to be part of the greatest show on earth”.

South Thames College also unveiled their Get Set Plaque which has been awarded in recognition of the College living by the Paralympic and Olympic values. The College was awarded this commendation for holding a series of Olympic inspired events such as a Disability Awareness event in which Paralympic athletes visited the College and ran a series of activities including sitting volleyball, goal ball and wheelchair basketball. Team GB Paralympic athlete and Sitting Volleyball player Andy Skinner took part in the event at the College saying, “We’re here to bring sport to the community and show that anyone can play it.”

Principal Sue Rimmer OBE of South Thames College said: “I am delighted that we have joined the Get Set network. South Thames College embeds the Olympic and Paralympic values into everyday life within the College and we have a wealth of talented and exceptional students that are out in the local community doing positive things. South Thames is proud to support the Get Set Network and be a part of the Olympic legacy.”

Sebastian Coe, chairman of LOCOG, said: “When London won the right to host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, we made a clear promise to use the power of the 2012 Games to inspire young people. I am proud to welcome South Thames College to the Get Set network for their exciting work around the Olympic Values of friendship, excellence and respect and the Paralympic Values of inspiration, courage, determination and equality.”

South Thames College has recently undergone a £100m investment into buildings and facilities and now has a new Sports England Standard Sports Hall, an industry standard gym and an aerobic studio.


November 20, 2011