Rik WaddonAfter the success of both the Paralympic and Olympic Games in 2012, my life has changed quite dramatically. The profile of the Games and the interviews and appearances afterwards have led to myself and other Paralympic athletes being more widely recognised than ever before.

Paralympic sports are still in the public eye and I want to do my part to ensure that it stays this way. Six months on from the Games, I feel that sport has brought people of all ages and abilities together and I feel that the Olympic legacy of "inspiring a generation" has really made an impact on young people's lives.

When the opportunity arose for me last year to be involved with the Youth Sport Trust on Sky Sports Living for Sport, I saw it as a chance to continue this legacy.

When I visit schools it is inspirational to me to see so many pupils getting involved with sport, and, in particular, Parasports, which many of the pupils hadn't heard of before the Games.

Rik Waddon 120313London 2012 has changed Rik Waddon's life dramatically

I am so proud to have the opportunity to use my story to inspire the young people I meet in schools. I have noticed a real shift in the students' attitudes and motivations towards sport since the Games.

Having seen the different events on television and in the media they are much more inspired and keen to get involved with new sports. In my experience they also seem to have a great understanding of the importance of goals and ambition in achieving dreams, whether that be in sport or not.

At first, after spending 20 years riding a bike, I was quite unsure about my ability to mentor young people and help them to develop life skills. However, as my school visits continue, I have found that using my story of overcoming adversity to succeed is inspirational to the students I meet who may be facing challenges of their own.

I also take the time to explain my disability to the young people I meet. As a child I used to try to hide my condition from others but this wasn't necessarily the best thing to do. I hope that by talking about myself and how I overcame problems in my life I can encourage other young people with disabilities to share their experiences with others.

Rik Waddon won the mixed team sprint with Jon-Allan Butterworth and Darren KennyRik Waddon won the mixed team sprint with Jon-Allan Butterworth and Darren Kenny

I aim to use my experiences as a professional athlete, and the journey I went on to achieve my goals, to encourage the young people I meet in schools to take up a new sport and see where it leads them. Sport really can change lives.

I am now back in full time training to achieve my dream of competing at Rio 2016 and winning more medals for the country. I hope I also continue to can motivate the young people I meet to aspire and achieve their own goals.

Rik Waddon is a Paralympic silver medallist cyclist and uses his inspirational sporting journey to inspire others as an Athlete Mentor for Sky Sports Living for Sport, a free secondary school initiative delivered in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust.