Mia feels let down by Olympics birthday promise

Seven-year-old Mia Thomas, of Nevada Road, Canvey, was one of the 700 children born on December 20, 2004, who were invited to take part in the Olympic and Paralympic opening ceremonies.

But parents have been left angry after it emerged the children would only get tickets to one of the ceremonies.

Mia’s mother Faith Thomas, 29, says Olympic bosses have gone back on their word, as the family has only been invited to the Paralympic opening where Mia will be doing something from her seat.

Mrs Thomas said: “It has been an absolute shambles. We are pleased to be going to the ceremony, but it is just such a shame they made all these promises about being involved and about Mia being special – sending her birthday cards and a certificate – only to go back on their word.

“It just seems like when they were trying to get the Olympics to come to London they were promising the world and now they have realised they cannot pull it all off.

“Some of the children will be getting on the stage but Mia will not, which is really disappointing.”

Despite numerous e-mails and calls, the organisers, Locog, refuse to tell Mrs Thomas exactly what Mia will be doing from her seat on the day.

Scores of parents across the UK have signed up to Facebook groups and signed petitions after feeling misled by the organisers.

A Locog spokesperson said: “We have always been clear the children will be given a role in one of the ceremonies or events.

“The children in the scheme have been offered the chance to participate both in the evening ceremonies for the Olympic torch relay and the pre-show for the Paralympic opening ceremony, as well as receiving two tickets to the Paralympic Games opening ceremony.

“The majority are delighted to be part of these exciting events and we have received a lot of positive feedback.

“With the Torch Relay evening celebrations well under way now, some children have already had great roles in the celebrations at the heart of the festivities.”