Who, What, Why

What are Young Games Makers?
In 2011 a team of Richard Hale senior students, made up of eight year thirteens, two year twelves and two year elevens submitted an application to become Young Games Makers at London 2012. The team attended a selection event, which involved an interview for the team leaders, and two team building tasks for the ten team members.
In the closing days of 2011, the whole team were holding their breath, waiting for the email that would give or reject the team their place at London 2012. The email came through on Christmas Eve, and what a Christmas present it would turn out to be, the team was offered a place a volunteering role, as part of the Athletics Teams, for the London 2012 Paralympics!

The team had performed well enough in the eyes of the assessors to be given this prestigious opportunity. However, myself, and Alex realised that this was an opportunity for more than self gain, this was an opportunity to enhance the lives of others. Taking the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Respect, Excellence, Friendship, Courage, Determination, Inspiration and Equality) we deicded that we should do our best to work as a team, to create a legacy for our role within the local area.

So what are we doing? As a team we have found opportunities to volunteer at sporting events within our local area, within our county, and within our region. We're doing this because firstly we want to create a legacy, by installing the Values of the Games in younger generations, and inspire them to pursue excellence in their chosen activities. Secondly, we feel that volunteering at these events will give us additional experience in working as a team, which will allow us to perform better throughout London 2012!


Who are the Young Games Makers?

The opportunity to become a Games Maker at Richard Hale was granted to the whole of the senior student body, students were invited to write applications on why they would be good at the role, and their experience in volunteering, working as a team, and in sporting activities. The team of ten was whittled down from over twenty original applicants, as were the two team leaders; the team was selected based on their calibre, committment, eagerness and experience.
Team Leaders
Aaron Hemsley - Year 13
Alex Cloona- Year 13
Games Makers
Tom Bryan- Year 13
Simon Wake- Year 13
Lucy Oxborrow- Year 13
Conor Thomson- Year 13
James Barker- Year 13
Chloe Rees- Year 13
Ella Lloyd- Year 12
Dotun Fakoya- Year 12
Liam Cloona- Year 11
Liam Dee- Year 11

Why Blog?

So, finally, why are we blogging? Well, there are two main reasons for this blog being created. Firstly, the team is being given a once in a lifetime opportunity, the chance to represent Richard Hale School at an event which is often reffered to as the 'Greatest Sporting Spectacle on Earth'. This blog will allow us to write about, remember and most importantly share our experiences.
The second reason for this blog is because of the amazing amount of support that we have been given from groups including: Richard Hale School, Richard Hale School Parents Association, East Herts Council, Welwyn Hatfield Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Hertford and Ware School Sports Partnership, Herts Special Olympics, Herts Ready For Winners and Herts Sports Partnership. Using this blog will enable us to share our experience with the those who are so kindly supporting us.

So for now, on behalf of the team, I would like to say thank you for your support, thank you for your continued interest, and watch this space for more news!