British-Pinoy chosen as Olympic Village mayor

LONDON - Steven Cheung, a 22-year-old British-Filipino, has been chosen as young mayor of the Olympic Village. 

The Olympic Village is the official home of more than 10,000 athletes and officials during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

"I'm really proud  to be able  to fly the Union Jack and the Filipino flag. It's time for us to really raise our status, to raise the step in our game and be known internationally... Starting from the first generation to the second generation migrants, together we can make a better future for us and the Philippines," Cheung said.

As young mayor, Cheung will welcome heads of state, diplomats and athletes who will visit the Olympic Village, as well as be a role model for the youth in East London.

"My role as a young mayor, I will welcome them to the Olympic village, on top of that, everything concerning them, including food and accommodation, will come through our office," he said.

Cheung admitted when his family moved to the UK, he experienced discrimination, but he did not allow this to bring him down. He wants to be an inspiration for fellow Filipinos.

"Mahirap talaga... Yung mga tao calling you names like 'oh you are fresh off the boat.' When I tell them  im from the Philippines, my mom is from the Philippines and they don't know the Philippines," he said.

During the first day of the Olympic torch relay in London, Cheung was also one of the torchbearers. He was also chosen as an Olympic Youth Ambassador.

A volunteer and a community leader since the young age of 12, Cheung was awarded a Princess Diana Award for his work in the community.