Essex Governors and Clerks Conference

On Saturday 13th March I undertook my first Team Essex Ambassador duty. This was to speak to the Essex school governors about the role of a Team Essex Ambassador and about my own sport, how I got into it, and what my aspirations are for London 2012.
I was very nervous about doing this as I have never spoken in public before. I had arranged to meet Dominic Collins at 2.30 at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in Colchester (which is the home of Colchester United football team). Unfortunately I somehow missed the turn-off at a slip round and found myself on the way to Clacton. Big panic! I turned round and tried again, and with the help of a friend ,guiding me on my mobile, I eventually arrived about 10 minutes late. Dominic found me in the carpark and there was still time to spare as it was a coffee break.
When I saw how big the audience was I nearly fainted - there were over 200 people there. However, I clambered on to the stage with my 3 pages of typed A4 ready. It was so nerve wracking but, I must say, by the time I got to the last page I was beginning to enjoy it. I loved the applause at the end and just hope I did a good job.
This was a tremendous experience for me and I feel really good about it. Although I was dreading it I now feel I can do almost anything.