Scottish athletes support Highlands young ambassadors

As part of the national lottery funded programme, each year sportscotland host six regional Young Ambassadors conferences across the country and two pupils from each secondary school in Scotland are invited to attend.

35 of the Highlands, Western Isles and Orkney’s secondary schools were invited to attend the fifth Young Ambassador conference of 2016 which took place at the Kingsmill Hotel in Inverness.

Led by former Scottish rugby union player Colin Gregor, the pupils gained an invaluable insight into the world of sport through the eyes of one of the country’s leading athletes.

Colin said: “It’s an honour to host the Inverness leg of sportscotland’s Young Ambassador conferences. As former captain for Scotland 7s for 5 years, I can identify the leadership potential and team spirit in the kids today. They are eager to learn and passionate about their role.

“Sport needs leaders and people to give it a voice - that’s exactly what these kids are doing and for that I have great admiration for them. I wish them every success in their Young Ambassador role for 2016.”

The Young Ambassadors took part in a range of workshops with a team of Scottish athletes and sport development professionals, including 2016 Rio Olympic swimming champion Robbie Renwick.

The athletes provided the pupils with support and advice to help them gain the skills, knowledge and understanding required to undertake their pivotal role within schools and wider communities as role models and leaders of other young people.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive at sportscotland, said: “Our Young Ambassador conferences provide a great opportunity for pupils who are passionate about sport to meet skilled athletes, gaining hints and tips from the professionals.

“It’s a chance for youngsters to collaboratively make a difference to Scotland’s sporting landscape.

“Becoming a Young Ambassador is a great way to develop new skills, build confidence and meet like-minded people in sport. The programme helps youngsters develop as sporting leaders by influencing and reflecting the views of other young people.

“Our Young Ambassadors motivate and inspire others to get into sport, helping shape decisions to ensure youngsters have the best possible sporting experience across Scotland.”

Young Ambassadors is an exciting and energetic lottery funded programme to help develop young people as leaders in sport. Each year, two pupils from each secondary school in Scotland are chosen as Young Ambassadors to promote sport, and motivate and inspire other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.

There have been over 2,500 Young Ambassadors in Scotland since the programme started in 2012, and 650 new Young Ambassadors attend the conferences each year.

For more information on how to become a Young Ambassador, please visit: website