Calum Johnston Scholarships have been provided by the Youth Sport Trust thanks to the very generous support of the Johnston family following the sad loss of their son, Calum in 2005. Calum was an energetic teenager with a zest for life and a love for sport, especially athletics, canoe slalom and rugby union. As a tribute to Calum’s energy and enthusiasm, this fund aims to help talented young sports people and provide them with support that will help them achieve their potential.
Over the past few years, the scholarship fund has been raised in a variety of ways by the Johnston family, their colleagues and friends. There has been overwhelming support, with people beyond the immediate network of the Johnston family, recognising the ethos and aims of the fund and the importance of sport, and getting involved in the fundraising. In particular it has been wonderful to see many young people raising money for the scholarship, demonstrating their willingness to help other young people pursue their dreams.
This year’s awards have gone to the following young people:
Jodie Williams
Event: 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m
Jodie is currently ranked number one in the UK over 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m for her age group (U17s). She is also ranked third in the UK overall (seniors) for 100m and 200m, a tremendous achievement considering she is only 16 years old. On 9 July 2009 Jodie became the first girl ever to win both the 100m and 200m titles at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Bressanone, Italy. Her 100m time of 11.39 seconds was a personal best and a world leading time for the year.
Jodie’s successes have been recognised and she was shortlisted in the final three for BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year 2009.
Luke Cowan Dickie
Event: Rugby Union
Luke was selected last year at junior international level for the England U16s squad. He also plays for his college in Devon and is a member of the Exeter Chiefs Academy. Aged 16, Luke is already part of the England U18s squad and has been selected as first choice loose head prop for the England U18s Six Nations Festival. Luke’s long term goals are to play professionally for an English Premier club and eventually play for England seniors.
Ryan Westley
Event: Canoe Slalom, C1 Canadian Single and C2 Canadian Double
Ryan has been part of the Junior Development Programme since 2007. Last year he was ranked top GB Junior U16s for Canadian Single (C1). He has recently moved up an age bracket to U18s, where despite being one of the youngest, he is still ranked second nationally. Ryan also competes in the Canadian Double (C2) where he and doubles partner are England Junior 18 Champions.
Ryan has achieved all this despite being an independent canoeist without easy access to club coaching or training facilities. He regularly commits to travelling the significant distances required to link with his doubles partner and to access the performance coaching and world class training facilities that he needs. Ryan’s achievements are testament to his hard work and commitment to his sport.
If you would like to know more about the scholarship programme, please email: helen.allwood@youthsporttrust.org or telephone: 0207 874 7677