· Images of International Inspiration Torchbearers meeting Oscar Pistorius can be found here
Three young people today fulfilled the opportunity of a lifetime to run with the Paralympic Torch as a result of their involvement in London 2012’s international sports legacy programme, International Inspiration.
16 year-old Erica from London, 14 year old Anthony from Trinidad & Tobago and 16 year old Mary from Tanzania were selected amongst nominations sent from the UK and the 20 countries which are part of the programme.
In the process, the three young people involved in the programme got to meet International Inspiration Ambassador Oscar Pistorius, gold medallist and world record holder, who praised them for reflecting the Paralympic Values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.
Each International Inspiration Torchbearer was nominated and selected either for their dedication and commitment to inspiring children and young people in their communities through the power of sport or for the personal challenges they have overcome in their lives.
Erica Kouassi was nominated by her schoolteacher at Hornsey School for Girls because she demonstrated the Paralympic Values in her day-to-day life by showing leadership and challenging inequality to create opportunities for young people of all abilities so they can access sport and play in her school and community.
Anthony Kipps was born with Right Primary Focal Femoral Dysplasia resulting in his right leg being much shorter than his left but he has never let this stop him from doing anything. He is a young leader for International Inspiration, involved in the student council and part of the swim team. Later this year, he will be undergoing training to volunteer at the first National Paralympic Games in Trinidad this year.
Mary Tarimo is a member of the International Inspiration club in Tanzania. She has gone through training to become a young leader, which has included training in the inclusion of young disabled people and child protection. She regularly gives up her time to assist young disabled children at a nearby primary school in sports and games sessions, particularly basketball and athletics.
International Inspiration is bringing to life the promise made by the London 2012 bid team where they pledged to reach young people all around the world and connect them to the inspirational power of the Games so they are inspired to choose sport. The programme is delivered around the world by a unique partnership of organisations including the British Council, UNICEF UK and UK Sport.
The programme is enriching the lives of more than 12 million children in 20 countries around the world through high-quality and inclusive physical education, sport and play.
Oscar Pistorius said: “As an Ambassador for International Inspiration it is fantastic to see how the programme has touched these young people’s lives, bringing them closer together and encouraging them to look beyond personal challenges. It’s a fabulous legacy for the London 2012 Games and one I am proud to represent.”
Anthony from Trinidad & Tobago said: "For me it was amazing to meet Oscar Pistorius. Like me he has a disability to his legs but he is an amazing athlete and it makes me think that I can be successful and that it's good for me to keep trying new sports. At home in Trinidad doing sports is very important and I like being part of that with International Inspiration."
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