With less than 500 days to go to the London 2012 Olympic Games, and ticket sales now open, it’s not only sports fans in the UK who are getting excited.

From Brazil to Bangladesh young people from 15 countries have been part of International Inspiration, a London 2012 international legacy project, which ambitiously aims to bring sport into the lives of 12 million young people globally.

A key part of the programme, delivered in partnership by the British Council, UNICEF, UK Sport and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), is to develop leadership skills and confidence in young people as group of Young Leaders.

In turn they become role models for their peers, and ambassadors for sport, by running events, volunteering and mentoring in their communities.

Now, as the countdown begins to the opening ceremony, we ask Young Leaders about their experience of the programme and their preparations for one of the world’s greatest sporting events. 

Bangladesh: Rodosy Fabliha Bashashat, 14

‘I am trying with my heart and soul to make the best use of the 500 days and counting before the Olympics.

‘Along with other young leaders, I’m talking with people in my community, arranging more festivals and gathering new ideas to bring sport into our world.

‘I’ve realized that as an International Inspiration Young Leader, I can contribute positive change to society, especially among the children.

‘After returning from the UK School Games, where I was a volunteer as part of International Inspiration, I shared my experience with other Young Leaders here.

‘I am very excited about London 2012 and have already started to mark it. In the future, I intend to involve more schools and gather more young people to create the best team of Young Leaders to spread to word about sport.

‘I hope that I will achieve my goal before the 500 days are up!’

Jordan: Hana’ Zeyad Ahmad Abdennabi, 16

‘Sport is the international language of dialogue. It is a unique type of culture.

‘International Inspiration has enhanced my voluntary spirit and made me appreciate the importance of sport.

‘In my local community we have arranged, with a specialist from the Paralympic Association, to do some voluntary work in the “Al- Hadaf” Championship for the Blind.

‘One of the challenges of being a Young Leader is how to help others with my skills, but with the benefit of this programme I feel I am now able to do this.

‘I have been inspired by everything I’ve done as a Young Leader and now I ask myself the question “What would I do, if I were in the Olympic Games?”

‘In my school we’re preparing ourselves to participate in London 2012 – we’ve worked out how far London is from our school.

‘Every day, we will run some of these miles so that when London 2012 opens we will have reached London!

‘On that day, we will celebrate with London even though we are not there.

‘This is what the project has instilled in us – that even little steps can take you far.’

Brazil: Lays Brandão Tenório, 18

‘I have been a Young Leader since 2008 and I believe I will be one forever.

‘The International Inspiration programme has given me such incredible experiences that have changed my timid ways and broadened my perspectives.

‘At last year’s UK School Games I volunteered with other Young Leaders from many different countries.

‘I learned about working with cultural diversity, made lots of new friends, and realized that, despite our different backgrounds, all of us are capable of making impacts in our own countries. 

‘When I returned to Brazil, I developed a mini-school games for my own school.

‘Whilst in the UK, I visited the construction sites of London 2012 and I intend to volunteer for Brazil 2016.

‘I can’t wait for the beginning of London 2012.

‘The UK will show the world that it has managed to create a legacy through the International Inspiration programme.’