The Olympic and Paralympic athletes were on hand to unveil the college's new Truce Wall; a wall featuring all the signatures of the staff and students from the award-winning college who have promised to promote the idea of world peace.

The idea of the Olympic Truce dates back to the 9th Century, when rulers in ancient Greece signed a treaty to allow athletes, and their families, to travel to and from the Olympic Games in total safety, protected from the dangers of war and civil unrest. The tradition was revived in 1993, with all the participating countries signing the agreement. Since then many of those have been actively involved in conflict throughout the Games, effectively breaking the Truce.

The Selby College Truce Wall has also received the support of Lord Michael Bates, who is currently in Arras, France 2,700 miles into a 3,000 mile walk from Olympia to London, to promote the original meaning of the Truce. He had this to say; "I am delighted and heartened by the initiative at Selby College. The Olympic Truce wasn't just a part of the ancient Olympic Games it was their entire point, a 'point' which sadly has been diluted in the modern era. I believe that London 2012 offers a tremendous opportunity to rediscover that ancient ideal by implementing the UN resolution declaring the Olympic Truce. I congratulate Selby College on the establishment of the Truce Wall and wish them every success for the launch."

The initial idea for the wall came from Selby College Sports Development Officer Gary Hazelhurst, who said; "I think the Olympic Truce is a great idea and with so much trouble in the world it's important that young people see that peace is an option. The Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship are a great way to promote this."

Swimmer, Claire Cashmore, "I think the Truce Wall is a great idea. The whole point is to inspire others about the qualities of the Olympics and Paralympic Games and not just for London 2012, but also to leave a legacy for future competitions."

Diver Rebecca Galantree, added; "It's good to see that so many people are passionate about the Games and actually want to get involved. Everywhere you go there's a real buzz about the Olympics and a sense of people coming together. "

This "buzz" was evident at Selby College, with Principal Allan Stewart OBE, saying; "we really appreciate Claire and Rebecca taking time out of their busy training schedule to come here today to meet the students and to help us promote the spirit of the Olympics within college. I am thrilled that so many staff and students have signed up to the Truce, I think it's positive for the college and hope that they embed those values in their daily lives to the benefit of the wider-community."

During their visit Claire and Rebecca were also taken on a whistle stop tour of the campus, before enjoying a cream tea in the Restaurant where they were each presented with a decorative flower arrangement; hand crafted by Selby College staff member Claire Howsam.

The wall will remain in situ, in the main Jubilee Building where all visitors will be able to see it, until after the end of the Paralympic Games in September.