A SCHOOLBOY has described his elation at being selected as not only an Olympic torchbearer, but also an official 'Games Maker' at London 2012.

Jai Padhiar, 16, who attends Kingsbury High School, has been chosen as one of 8,000 inspirational people who will carry the Olympic flame as it journeys across the UK.

He has also been chosen as a Games Maker as part of the Phoenix Canoe Club team based in the Welsh Harp.

This will see him take on a variety of roles including welcoming visitors, helping out behind the scenes and making sure results get displayed as quickly and accurately as possible.

He said: "I am really excited about it. It's a once in a lifetime experience and to be a part of it is just superb really.

"I am just so excited about it all."

Jai was nominated by his father to be a torch bearer, and he was selected from tens of thousands of applications.

His application included details of his keen interest in sport, personal achievements in sport and charity work.

Jai's interest in sports started at a young age, and in recent months he has raised money for charity through fun-runs for Great Ormond Street where he raised s1,500, and Alzheimers Research where he raised s500.

In order to keep the torch, bearers have been asked to pay s250.

Yassine Elhasbaoui, head of year 11 at Kingsbury High School asked members of staff to donate to assist Jai in funding the torch. The school will ask to borrow the torch for display during the period Jai is at the school and he will take it with him when he leaves.

He said: "Jai is a very talented pupil who has always taken part in a variety of extra-curricular sporting activities. He is also one of our sports leaders in charge of many events for both the lower and upper school. He is a member of the school's hockey team and plays for Harrow hockey club. He is a cross-country runner and represents Brent in national championships.

"He came first on several occasions. He ran the Virgin mini marathon. He is a Kung Fu black belt and he received a sports personality of the year award in Year 9. He has a perfect behaviour and attendance record and is predicted As in most of his subjects. He is just the perfect 'Kingsburian'."

Jais moment to shine will take place on Wednesday July 25. He will be running through the streets of Harrow.