The London Olympics and Paralympics 2012 were only few months ago and it may now seem like a distant memory for most, but that’s certainly not the case for those who helped to make the momentous occasion a success.

Keen to celebrate the achievements staff and learners from Leicester College who were involved in volunteering, activities and training at the games, an ‘Olympic Stars’ celebration event was hosted at the College’s Abbey Park Campus on Wednesday 7 November.

A selection of staff and learners were photographed in their Olympic uniforms by Leicester College’s Level 2 Extended Diploma Photography learners. These images were used to produce life-size cut outs, which were unveiled in a ‘madame tussauds’ style ceremony.

Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care learner, Phil Fuller completed the last leg of the Leicestershire torch tour through a crowd of more than 20,000 spectators who had gathered to witness him lighting a giant cauldron on the main stage at Abbey Park.

20-year-old Phil was nominated by his colleagues at the Children in Care Council, where he also volunteers in his spare time. He said: “I know there were thousands of people out there watching, but when I was lighting the cauldron it felt like it was just me. It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life and now I have a life-size version of me to add to that!”

Deputy Principal for Quality; Planning & Corporate Services, Don Brooks, gave a short speech about the activities and achievements of the summer, thanking everyone for their contribution to the Olympics as representatives of Leicester College.

After each person was pictured with their life-size cardboard self, food and refreshments to give everyone opportunity to discuss their experiences. Sue Green, Information Services Officer at Leicester College was selected as a chauffeur for Olympic VIP.

Sue explains: “I was overjoyed to learn that my VIP was to be the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya but had to keep it a secret for weeks! I also had the privilege of driving, two-time Olympic Gold medallist, Kip Keino, who is now President of the International Olympic Committee of Kenya.

“I had the most amazing time at the Olympics and feel very honoured to say I played a very small part in making London 2012 the huge success that it was. Although it’s strange to see a life-size version of myself, I’m delighted that the College has recognised our involvement.”

The cut-outs will now be placed across each of the three College campuses, as well as in Upper Brown Street and Bede Island Centre until the New Year, giving everyone a chance to see our Stars!