Avelino Lorente

Throughout my life I´ve been closely involved in a number of sports. At school I practised judo and basketball, achieving success in both sports, not only individually but as part of a team. From a very early age, I felt particularly attracted to basketball, and played in many teams. Now, at the age of 30, I´m still involved in this sport, and play for my local village team. As a child, I was very grateful to all my trainers for the time and effort they invested in me and my teammates, and these great people have inspired me to give something back to the sport I love. That´s why for the last 8 years, I´ve been coaching boys and girls from 8 to18 years old in the local community, not only teaching a beautiful sport, but instilling sporting values, respect and teamwork. Among my own personal sporting achievements, not only have I reached important finals as a player and coach, but I was privileged enough to take part in a frienly match with a top European team. It was exhilarating and an unforgettable moment in my life! It would be a great honour for me and a proud moment for my family, my team, my local community and the kids I coach, to be one of the chosen few to carry the London 2012 Olympic Torch.