A FORMER Rhyl High pupil performed in front of thousands of people at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony.
Catherine Barnett, 25, said taking part in the prestigious event was the most incredible experience of her life.
Miss Barnett, who left Rhyl for London five years ago to study film and dance at Kingston University, said being apart of the opening ceremony has inspired her to pursue her career in dance further.
“Performing in front of that crowd really made me realise how much I love to dance,” she said. “It was a once in a life time opportunity, and I’m am so happy I was able to be a part of it.”
Miss Barnett applied to perform at the ceremony, which took place on August 29, in February along with thousands of other hopefuls.
After attending three auditions she was told in April she had been selected to take part in a 300-strong dance act.
“I was really excited when I got the call,” she said.
“It has been an amazing experience from beginning to end.”
Her mother, Kath, said she was unable to get tickets for the occasion and had to watch on the television.
“She sent me a text message to say she was on next.
“The event was running about an hour and a half late and Catherine was the second to last act.
“She said she was nervous - but that it was one of the most exciting moments of her life.”
Miss Barnett also said she also got the opportunity to go and watch the rehearsal for the Olympic Opening Ceremony in July.
A PRESTATYN woman is volunteering at the Paralympics.
Teaching assistant Caroline Jones, 21, who works at Ysgol Maes Owen in Kinmel Bay, makes up part of the transport dispatch team and helps ensure members of the International Paralympic Committee, coaches athletes and their families are safely and efficiently transported during the games.
Caroline said: “You should always seize the moment.
“Volunteering at the games is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“I am extremely grateful to the headteacher and the governors of Ysgol Maes Owen Kinmel Bay for allowing me to take part.
“I look forward to sharing my experiences with the children on my return.”
Caroline has previously been a Millennium Volunteer, spent time last summer volunteering at a street school in Quito in Ecuador and currently is a volunteer cricket coach of an under nine team at Carmel and District Cricket Club.