City appoints young ambassadors of sport
07/10/09
Patrick Tawns (15) and Esther Dickson (14) of St Machar Academy have been chosen to be Aberdeen's first Young Ambassadors of Sport.
Senior pupils at all local authority schools in the city were invited to apply for the post of Young Ambassador and following interviews organised by Active Schools Aberdeen last month [September] two youngsters were selected.
Patrick who is a keen rower was appointed for his sports performance and Esther for her volunteering and leadership skills.
Young Ambassadors, who must be aged between 14 and 19 years old, promote the 2012 Games to other young people by advocating the Olympic and Paralympic ethos and values. They also act as sporting role models to young people in their own communities by encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.
The Youth Sport Trust (YST) started the Young Ambassador programme in England in 2006 as a direct response to London winning the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The programme is now being rolled out in Scotland for the first time this year and Aberdeen City is delighted to be part of it.
The Young Ambassadors along with a lead teacher and their Active Schools coordinator will attend the first Young Ambassador Conference on Wednesday 7 October at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, Ratho. The aim of the event is to inspire and support them with each Ambassador receiving a set of resources, information and challenges to assist them in their role.
Young Ambassadors undertake the role for at least two years. After their first year in the role they have the additional responsibility of becoming a mentor for the new Young Ambassadors in their School. By 2012 it is hoped there will be 5,000 Young Ambassadors across the UK.
St Machar Academy head teacher Isabel McIntyre said: "I am delighted that Patrick and Esther have been chosen to represent the City of Aberdeen. This is an exciting role for them and I know they will be excellent ambassadors."
Aberdeen City Council's Active Schools manager Jo Conlon said: "As we count down to London 2012 it is great to have such enthusiastic young role models who are dedicated to motivating a variety of people to get active.
"Active Schools is delighted to be involved in this project and look forward to working with Patrick and Esther to improve young people's physical activity levels by providing more opportunities for youngsters to lead active, healthy lifestyles, now and into adulthood."
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 08456 080910.
