On Friday night, at the launch of the Cultural Olympiad down in Dover, I first truly started to realise the magic of the Games.

As a Sports fanatic I jumped at the opportunity to work on the Kent Campaign for the 2012 Games and had always wanted to be involved in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in some capacity.

However it was whilst standing amongst the thousands of people along the seafront, enjoying a breathtaking fire show against the backdrop of the Dover White Cliffs, that a sense of pride in our history and culture welled up inside me.

I had a fantastic weekend, not just because I witnessed such a spectacular display, but because it inspired an interest in culture that hadn't existed inside me before. I found myself making friends with people from all different walks of the arts world and was fascinated by the diversity of their work, their passions and their inspirations.

I came away from the Cultural Olympiad launch feeling a much more complete person. For someone like me who is so sports focused, I am delighted that the Games are opening up new opportunities and experiences in my life. Bringing together sport and art is one of the main themes of the Cultural Olympiad and I am certain the events across the country inspired countless other young people to become involved, celebrate and understand the cultural diversity that exists in their communities.