On Wednesday, 27 July, with just one year to go until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Rep London’s Programme Manager, Erica Chamberlain, was interviewed on Robert Elms’ show on BBC Radio London.

Speaking live from the architecturally stunning Aquatic Centre, Erica was joined by Emmanuel Temenu (pictured), a Rep London student from St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form. He shared his hope for a lasting legacy from the Games, including a wish for locals to gain free entry to the Aquatic Centre post-Games. Of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Emmanuel said, “It’s about changing the face of East London… and seeing East London in a new light”.

Emmanuel spoke of his experiences of attending Rep London modules, including ‘Presenting Yourself’ at Deutsche Bank and Royal London Asset Management’s ‘Leadership’ module. He demonstrated his keenness to become a volunteer at Games time through the Mayor’s London Ambassadors programme, which young people participating in Rep London can apply for through our volunteering page. This unique volunteering opportunity coupled with the modules offered by Rep London and our member companies certainly help students like Emmanuel to stand out from the crowd as they gain skills and build confidence.

Erica and Emmanuel certainly shared their passion for what East London has to offer, which visitors can find out about through ELBA’s free Buzzstops app for iPhone and Blackberry.

To listen to Erica and Emmanuel’s BBC interview please click here.