Kulvinder Johal (left) with two volunteers before taking part in the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

A brother and sister from Redbridge are set to perform in Opening Ceremony tonight

Jessica Earnshaw , Reporter Wednesday, August 29, 2012
5:34 PM

A primary school teacher, who performed in the Olympic Opening Ceremony and suggested her brother should volunteer, is set to take centre stage with her sibling at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony tonight.

Kulvinder Kaur Johal, 41, of Norfolk Road, Seven Kings and her brother Kamiljit Singh Sadra, 47, of Geariesville Gardens, Barkingside, are both set to play key roles in the Paralympic Opening Ceremony this evening.

The school teacher said: “It was like auditioning for The X Factor. When I found out I was taking part it was such a relief as I had been counting down in the hope I would be picked.

“I was so excited. At first I had been worried that they would be looking for younger and more energetic volunteers but it was for everyone and anyone.”

Mrs Johal, who played an industrial revolution worker in the Olympic Opening Ceremony, said: “Volunteering is the best thing I’ve ever done and the group that I was a part of now have a special bond.”

Mrs Johal’s brother, Mr Sadra, who auditioned for a role in the Olympic Opening Ceremony after his sister told him they were short of male volunteers, was later asked to perform in the Paralympic Opening Ceremony.

The chartered accountant said: “I will be part of two different segments. Rehearsals have been really fun and I am so glad I decided to take part.”