AN ESSEX volleyball player will have the opportunity to grace some of this year’s Olympic venues months before the start of the London 2012 Games.

Georgie Ibbotson, 15, from Clacton-on-Sea, has been selected to represent England Central at the inaugural Sainsbury’s 2012 School Games finals between May 6-9, which is expecting more than 35,000 spectators.

The event, which will see 1,600 young people from across the country compete in 12 sports, will be hosted by venues such as the Olympic Stadium, Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and ExCel centre in London.

“I am pleased to be selected for the Sainbury’s 2012 School Games and feel proud to be part of the Games in such an important year,” she said.

“It is an overwhelming feeling and a privilege to be competing in am Olympic venue.

“I hope to become a stronger player with this experience and am looking forward to playing high class volleyball and meeting new athletes.”

Jenny Hunt, secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport added: “Georgia has worked incredibly hard to win her place in the first School Games finals, and I wish her the very best of luck.

“I can’t wait to see the finalists compete in our iconic venues, just weeks before the world’s top athletes do the same. It’s great to see how passionate our young people are about sport and I’m sure the finals will be an inspiring occasion.”