The work of young people in helping to realise the legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games has been celebrated in a new film as more volunteers are sought.
Members of the Legacy Youth Panel (LYP) saw themselves on the silver screen when a short film showcasing their work over the past six years – including meeting Prime Minister David Cameron – was shown at Stratford Picturehouse cinema last week.
The 150-strong panel was set up four years prior to London 2012 and its members have been consulted on aspects of the legacy plan, including the creation of the Timber Lodge cafe in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“They are a great sounding board to get that youth perspective,” explained Layla Conway, community engagement officer at the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), which manages the youth panel.
“What’s great is the LLDC do value them and really listen. What they get from it is not just what they can do for us but all the skills they learn.”
This year the youth panel are looking for another 30 members to join its ranks, with recruitment set to begin in July.
Some of the stars of the film, directed by Des Burkinshaw, spoke to Parklife about their time on the Legacy Youth Panel.
Kishan Patel, 19, from Plaistow, Newham, who has been member for for more than two-and-a-half years, said he had wanted to be involved with the Olympics ever since London won the bid back in 2005, while he was still at primary school.
He added: “One of the best things we have achieved from the panel is the Timber Lodge. We have seen it from a drawing, to a scale model to seeing it actually there now.”
Garbrielle Appriah, 18, from Bethnal Green, now works at the ArcelorMittal Orbit. She joined the youth panel in December 2011.
“To feel like I was actually part of it and made a difference is amazing. I can tell people who were quite cynical about it that the [legacy] planning did involve young people.”
Tasmia Tahia, 19, who works at St Peters Community Centre, Bethnal Green, and comes from Waltham Forest said she gained confidence and self-belief through her years on the panel.
She said: “It’s made me realise everyone’s opinion counts.”
To apply to join the Legacy Youth Panel you must be aged 14 to 18 and live in one of the four Olympic boroughs – Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Waltham Forest.
Visit queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/young-people to register and find out more.
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