Almost 100 south Londoners this week gave London 2012 Games Ambassador, Jonathan Edwards CBE a clear message that they want to make the most of the opportunities that the Games will bring.

The triple-jump world record holder and Olympic Gold medallist was at a special Question Time event at the Whitgift School in South Croydon, where he answered questions and talked in depth with local business leaders, young people and community representatives about their hopes for 2012.

The Whitgift School is one of South London’s 20 world-class LOCOG approved pre-games training venues.

Edwards said: “We have always stated we wanted London 2012 to be everyone’s Games and we are committed to ensuring that all communities across London know about London 2012-related opportunities and feel they can get involved.

“South London has a lot to offer and it’s been fantastic to hear for myself how South London is already preparing to welcome athletes and visitors to this part of the capital and also how much they’ve thought about the legacy of the Games.”

Before the Question Time session, Edwards spoke with community representatives, toured the facilities and met with pupils demonstrating their sporting talent across a range of disciplines including swimming, fencing and table tennis.

For the Question Time session Edwards joined a panel including Linda Taylor OBE, Chair of Go South Go, Ross Feeney, director of business support for South London Business and Megan Barnes, member of the Youth Parliament for Sutton to answer questions about how to ensure the Games has a lasting impact for both local people and businesses.

Taylor said: “This event had provided an excellent opportunity for discussion on how we can all make the most of the Games. Croydon in particular has a lot to offer those who are staying in London for the Games.

"It is closer than people think to the Olympic boroughs now that the East London Line Extension has been opened up. It also has a wealth of hotels and leisure facilities on the doorstep”.

With the South African team already deciding to set up their pre-games training camp in Richmond South London is definitely on track to see some tangible benefits.

We hope the Games will create a lasting legacy for the whole region and it is our chance to give the thousands of visitors from around the world who will come to the area a very warm welcome and a really positive impression of South London.”

Barnes said: “It is not often that you get such a diverse group of ordinary people in the room alongside an Olympic hero, in a setting where world class athletes will be training less than two years from now- virtually on your doorstep!

“To have Jonathan come down and listen to what we have to say about the Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"As a young person, I want to play my part in making the most of the Games and ensure it has a lasting legacy for the young people of South London.”

Moments before visiting the Whitgift School, Edwards was at the Phoenix Centre in Sutton as part of a visit to South London. Both visits were coordinated by Go South Go on behalf of the South London sub region.

There are a number of sub regional visits planned for London, with Jonathan Edwards CBE due to visit East London next month and plans to visit West London in the near future. The visits are a key part of LOCOG’s aim to engage with community representatives and raise awareness of the Games amongst London residents.