Flames ambassador delighted at Olympic selection

Flames: Lighting the way ambassador Nicola White is today celebrating after being selected to represent Team GB at the London 2012 Games.

Hockey star Nicola, 24, was named in the 16 strong squad announced by coach Danny Kerry at the London Stock Exchange this morning.

Team GB’s women will face Olympic champions the Netherlands, Belgium, and Asian trio China, South Korea and Japan in their quest for Olympic gold which begins on 29 July.

Nicola said: “I’m delighted to be officially a part of Team GB. I’ve put in a lot of hard work up to this point and it is great to be rewarded with a place in the team.

“I always knew selection was going to be tough as there are so many good players fighting for a place. I’ve been consistently selected for the last three years now so I knew I was in with a chance but it’s nice now the wait is over and I can focus on the Games now.”

With just 70 days to go until the opening ceremony excitement is starting to mount for everyone, especially Nicola: “I’m really excited about the Games, especially now they are so close. It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete in a home Olympics. We’ve just got to make sure we make the most of it.”

Nicola is also inspiring children to make the most of the London 2012 Games through her work as an ambassador for the Flames: Lighting the way programme, encouraging children to become more active and learn about the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The programme is a partnership between the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Loughborough College and is delivered by the BHF National Centre at Loughborough University. The project was developed to establish an active legacy for children and young people inspired by the 2012 Games.

So far Flames has trained up 25,000 young leaders to deliver fun Olympic-themed sport and health activities to over 50,000 younger children across the UK. Their hard work culminates in Flames Festivals organised by the young leaders, which recreate the Olympic torch relay where all children get to run with Loughborough College’s genuine 1948 Olympic torch.

Nicola has relished her involvement with the programme and the opportunity to inspire others: “I’m delighted to be involved with the Flames: Lighting the way programme. It’s fantastic to come along to the Festivals and see how much Flames is growing every time I come along. The kids really make the day and it’s great to see them here with all their enthusiasm and smiles.”

She went on to say: “It’s obviously a very special year with London 2012 coming up. I like to think I can help to inspire the children that come to the Flames Festivals and help them see what they can achieve if they put the work in and are focused. I like to think they can look at me and think “I can do that”. Flames is a great way to teach them the Olympic and Paralympic Values and show them how you can commit yourself to sport and give them a focus.

For more information on the Flames programme visit www.flameslightingtheway.co.uk

Follow Nicola on Twitter @NicolaWhite28