In among the excitement of the Vancouver Winter Olympics, Seb Coe, Tessa Jowell and Sir Keith Mills hosted a reception in Vancouver to update members of the Olympic Family on progress to date on the International Inspiration programme. Stars of the show were 17-year-old Mikyle Chaitsingh and 16-year-old Diandra Joseph from East Mucurapo School in Tobago – just two of 3.5 million young people already involved with the programme.

Like young leaders in the other 11 current International Inspiration countries, Mikyle and Diandra are helping to promote sport and PE to other young people and to encourage them to get involved. They explained the programme to an audience of 140 people.

We asked them about International Inspiration and what going to Vancouver was like:

What is it like to be at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games? What can you learn from the Olympic Games and how will it help you with your International Inspiration activities?

Mikyle: We learned about a different game - Curling! We have made new friends.

Diandra: The Olympic Games are about a positive attitude and trying your best. We learn new ways of doing something and have new experiences. At the International Inspiration event, we spoke to new people and learned a lot from everyone that we spoke to.

Mikyle: For example, we met Sue (Campbell). She has no fear and I love her encouragement. I admire her.

What was the International Inspiration event like? What will you remember from and your trip to Vancouver?

Mikyle: For me, doing the event was one of the best days I ever had in my entire life. I have got more than 6 interviews and over a million pictures and I went on stage and talked to over 140 people and that was a breathful. After a long day, we went to a restaurant and ate the best food I ever tasted in history!

Diandra: Meeting Sebastian Coe. This was a big thing for me. He believes that youth have a voice and should be involved in sport. He spoke about International Inspiration and how important it is to involve young people in the Olympic Games.

Who is your favourite athlete? Why?

Diandra: I am a Man United fan so... David Beckham (when he played for them). He gives 100% and inspires me to pursue my dreams. I would like to start a sports clothing line - I will design it and because I want to be an accountant too, I will run my business.

Mikyle: Roger Federer. I love playing tennis and I admire his dedication. He fights in every game, for every point.

Have you been inspired to do something differently, or do more, in your International Inspiration club when you return to Trinidad?

Diandra: Yes, we are going to start a mini-football league. And we are going to continue organising sports day events for primary schools in our area.