Role models get set for sporting greatness

The youngsters from Kilsyth Academy, Our Lady’s High and St Maurice’s High joined pupils from across the region at Tollcross International Swimming Centre for the fifth of this year’s Young Ambassadors conferences.

A host of top Scottish athletes were also at the event, and they helped to support the young people in gaining the skills, knowledge, and understanding to undertake their role.

The Young Ambassadors programme engages young people, aged 14 to 17, as role models and leaders in sport and is delivered by sportscotland, in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust.

Six regional conferences are held throughout September inviting two young people from every secondary school in Scotland.

Paralympic gold medallist David Smith spoke his inspirational journey to the podium in London, before taking to the stage to interview Commonwealth swimming champion Robbie Renwick.

Gymnast Steve Frew, who won gold for Scotland at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Shirley Addison, performance lifestyle adviser at the sportscotland institute of sport and former Great Britain hammer thrower, Paralympian Emma Wiggs, and athletics star Lee McConnell all acted as mentors to the Young Ambassadors throughout the day-long conference, leading workshops about their sporting career and experiences.

Jacqueline Lynn, of sportscotland, said: “The key role of a Young Ambassador is to motivate and inspire other young people to participate in sport by raising awareness of opportunities to get involved in sport in schools, clubs, and community sport hubs, promoting an active lifestyle, and raising awareness using the excitement of all major sporting events.”