Two pupils from a West Midlands Get Set Network school spent a day in the life of Paul Deighton, Chief Executive of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralymic Games during his recent visit to the region.
Stephanie Clarke (17) and Joel Reader (12), from Fairfax School in Sutton Coldfield, along with their teacher Rachel Boyce, were given the rare opportunity to follow and interview the London 2012 CEO for the day as recognition for their school embracing and living the Olympic and Paralymic values. Here are their memories from the day.
"We have had the most fantastic day today – shadowing VIP Paul Deighton throughout his visit to the West Midlands. I absolutely loved talking to all the people in his team – thank you for my limited edition pin badge! Paul was so nice and he made such an inspiring speech in Great Malvern to a hall of business people and it really impressed me hearing about the impact that the Olympics is making and the opportunities for businesses.
"Meeting the people in Worcester involved in the Personal Best was a highlight. I met a lady called Sian whose positivity really stood out to me. I really wish her all the best on the programme. In Coventry, it was great to receive our Get Set Network plaque – that was another highlight! Mrs Boyce loved that bit!
"I totally understand from today that the Olympics isn’t just about London and it isn’t just about Sport - today has inspired me! Only 3 years to go... or 141 Fridays as Paul kept saying...!"
Stephanie Clarke, Year 12
"I had a great time meeting Paul Deighton and seeing ‘media operations’ up close - you wouldn’t believe how much you don’t see – being behind the scenes was great! It is amazing how funny important businessmen can be – when Paul Deighton, Dave Moorcroft and others started playing handball with a group of Year 7 students at the Alan Higgs Centre in Coventry, it was hilarious.
"Trailing the BBC Midlands Today cameraman and reporter was really really good – I saw how they filmed and reported what was going on!"
Joel Reader, Year 8
"Congratulations to Stephanie and Joel, who asked Paul Deighton some ‘interesting’ questions during a private interview – we are all looking forward to your article! And thank you to LOCOG for giving us this experience!"
Mrs Boyce and Fairfax’s Enterprising Olympics Team
Click on the related document to read Joel and Stephanie's full article and interview with Paul Deighton.