In yet another experience of a lifetime Adilson was selected from 1400 performers to represent the mass dance section of the event at a royal reception hosted by HRH Prince Charles and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House.

Just a handful of performers of the entire volunteer cast of 15,000 were invited to the reception, which was arranged to acknowledge the volunteers of the 2012 Games and others involved in the ceremonies.

Aged 19, Adilson came to the UK from Brazil to study performing arts and circus skills at Hackney Community College. He auditioned for his part in the Opening Ceremony along with classmates and his performing arts lecturer from College.

He was proud and humbled to have been invited to meet the members of the royal family and said that the opportunity to meet the royals at Clarence House was 'wonderful'.

Adilson, who has just enrolled onto the second year of his course, was thrilled to have the chance to speak to Prince Charles and tell him all about his memories of the opening ceremony experience:

"A highlight for me was the wonderful atmosphere and friendship of the volunteers. Thousands of us spent very long days in our holding area at Eton Manor, but it was a lovely time - and I am sure lifelong friendships were formed during our rehearsals. We were all very proud to represent London and Great Britain and there was so much support for each other so that we could show the world the very best of us. London rocks!"

He continued: "Getting to work with Danny Boyle and a great team of professional dance captains and choreographers made the volunteers feel very special. Danny came to all the rehearsals and would always stay and thank us and applaud us as we left the practise area.

"I loved it when Danny told the stadium audience at the first technical rehearsal - 'These amazing people have given up their time and energy. They are the best of us really. The show belongs to them.' All the cast members had FM radio sets on and we could hear Danny say this as we were lined up waiting our turn to enter the stadium to perform. We gave him the loudest cheer of the entire Games."

Paul Lazarus, Head of Department at Hackney Community College, encouraged the students to audition for the Opening Ceremony and chaperoned them throughout the experience.

He said: "I'm so very proud of all our students and staff who took part in this historic event. I'm also thrilled that Adilson was selected to represent the cast at this royal reception. His determination and commitment is exemplary. He's a great role model."