Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell will pass on the sporting baton to a new generation of young people as he takes on the role of Ambassador for Sky Living For Sport.
Sky Living For Sport, now in its fourth year, has involved over 500 schools and benefited over 14,000 young people across the UK. Organised by the Youth Sport Trust in partnership with Sky, the initiative inspires young people through sport.
The project targets young people aged 11 to 16 who are at risk of opting out of school life, either through poor attendance or lack of confidence. Youngsters take part in diverse activities from Sailing and Archery through to Martial Arts and have the chance to meet and learn from a team of inspirational sporting mentors, led by Darren.
This year, two new strands of Sky Living For Sport are being developed, which will focus on schools and parents.
Firstly, the Youth Sport Trust will widen the impact of Sky Living For Sport amongst the remaining 3,000 UK secondary schools by giving them access to a package of resources. This will allow teachers to take the principles and ethos of Sky Living For Sport and run the initiative in their own school.
Sky Living For Sport also will be extended to parents and their children to engage them in the power of sport. Both strands will build on the excellent practice that has emerged from the initiative.
Recent research published in May 2007, conducted by the Institute of Youth Sport at Loughborough University, reveals that 7 out of 10 young people taking part in Sky Living For Sport show significantly improved behaviour and confidence.
Overwhelmingly, 85 per cent of teachers feel that the project has benefited their students.
One student explains why Sky Living For Sport is important to them:
“I enjoy the project because the teacher makes it fun. I enjoy not getting into trouble and I now see what I am capable of doing.”
Ben Stimson, Director of Reputation and Responsibility at Sky, says: “The success of Sky Living For Sport is a testament to all those involved; teachers and pupils - and we are proud to be part of it. Having Darren Campbell involved as the new Ambassador will be a great boost to the work already going on, and can only serve to strengthen the initiative as it continues to develop.”
Sue Campbell, Chair, Youth Sport Trust, says:
“Sport is a very powerful way of helping young people engage with learning, and the Sky Living For Sport initiative has demonstrated just how powerful it can be in helping young people achieve their potential. We are delighted that Darren has taken on the role of Ambassador and look forward to working closely with him in the coming months and years.”
To find out more about Sky Living For Sport click here.
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