I am proud to represent Pakistan as an Olympic torch bearer

International Inspiration is part of the UK’s legacy programme, and has helped transform millions of lives around the world through the power of sport. On 28 June, 20 International Inspiration leaders, representing the 20 countries where International Inspiration has delivered its projects, will carry the Olympic Torch in Nottingham. Zainab Imran is selected as a torch bearer from Pakistan. We invited 16-year old Zainab to write as a guest blogger as she leaves for the Olympic Torch Relay in the UK.

Hello, I am Zainab Imran, selected to represent Pakistan at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a torch bearer. I am a student at the ETN High School Malir, Karachi, for the last 12 years. My father is Mohammad Imran Sheikh, a banker and a perfect guardian to me; and my mother is Amna Imran Sheikh, and a perfect friend to me. I have two younger brothers too.

“Small opportunities are often the beginning of great enterprises.”  I began to believe in this since I got involved in the International Inspiration programme run by the British council. Last year I was selected as a volunteer for UK School Games but due to certain reasons I missed that – and now I am selected to be a torch bearer, the only torch bearer from all over Pakistan! The UK School Games was a small opportunity and this is a great enterprise! I am very glad to be selected for this event – this mega event, the London 2012 Games!

My journey to London 2012 starts from my school where I was the school netball team captain for more than 2 years. I also attended several sports workshops for netball, badminton and basketball etc.

 “Being good is commendable, but only when it is combined with doing good is it useful.”  I started my voluntary work in institutes like the SIUT Pakistan and our school’s own community service organization, Helping Hands. I did community services under an online project like plantation and beach cleaning, participated in competitions like the Dawn Spelling Bee twice in 2006 and 2008, and in the Math Olympiad in 2012 etc. The main journey to this mega event began when I joined the British Council’s activities, including International Inspiration programme and attended their Young Sports Leadership Training programme.  I went through a long term process to meet this selection criterion.  Firstly I filled out a questionnaire, then had an interview, and then was finally selected for this mega event, which is held in collaboration with International Inspiration programme.  The International Inspiration uses the power of sport to enrich the lives of millions of children and young people of all abilities, in schools and communities across the world, particularly in developing countries, through the power of high quality and inclusive physical education, sport and play.

I am so excited to be a part of the London 2012 Games, counting days to be there in London, a place I have never visited before. I feel proud to represent Pakistan as well as my school as an Olympic torch bearer. I would really like to thank my sports coordinator and my teachers from the bottom of my heart as without their worthy facilitation and leadership I wouldn’t have become the person who I am right now. It is their timely guidance, support, and motivation, which has polished not only my sportsman spirit and language skills but above all, my volunteer skills.

Zainab Imran recently took part in celebrating 100 days to go to the London 2012 Games at the British High Commission in Islamabad. She led the Olympic bound Pakistan Hockey Team and former Pakistani Olympic champions on to the field before an exhibition hockey match.