Mahlon King is one such athlete lucky enough to have been selected to compete at the Sainsbury's 2012 School Games representing England Central Boys. As one of the younger competitors at 14 years old, Mahlon is excited to gain the experience of competing at this level, he said: "I am very fortunate to have been selected to compete in the Games. To play in such an amazing venue will be a completely new experience as I have never played anywhere as big as ExCeL, but I am looking forward to it immensely.

"I hope I get as much court time as possible so that I can play with the older competitors and go up against tough opposition. I think it will be a hard competition but I am looking forward to the challenge. One of the most exciting things is playing against the best in the country, and seeing how I perform against them."

Although the ExCeL will not host volleyball during the Olympic Games, it will stage a whole host of other sports. Scotland West Girl's competitor, Marsail Hood (15) is looking forward to competing in the ExCeL, she commented: "I'm so excited to play at ExCeL, knowing that in a few months' time there will be professional sports people from all around the world competing on the same spot that I have will be fantastic.

"I am looking forward to seeing how other teams play, as well as seeing all the other sports hosted in ExCeL at the School Games, especially wheelchair basketball."