R
esearch from the Institute of Youth Sport shows Sky Living For Sport the nationwide initiative run by the Youth Sport Trust in partnership with Sky has been of real benefit to the lives of the young people involved, helping them improve behaviour and increase self confidence.
Sky Living For Sport helps motivate and inspire young people through sport and the latest research shows that, of those participants surveyed who showed initial improvements, over 90% maintained these improvements in behaviour, social skills, self esteem and attendance 12 months later.
The independent evaluation has been undertaken in each of the last three years (2003-2006) and the figures from the third year’s findings show that teachers are seeing the impact of the project with 85% feeling that the project has benefited their young people. Teachers stated that over 75% pupils show improved attitudes towards staff and over 70% of young people show increased self-confidence.
“The success of Sky Living For Sport is a credit to the teachers and young people involved. This initiative demonstrates how powerful sport can be in educating and motivating young people. We are very proud to be a part of it.” says Ben Stimson, Director of Corporate Responsibility and Reputation, BSkyB
Sky Living For Sport athlete mentors were introduced to schools involved in their second year of Sky Living For Sport. The athlete mentors are world class athletes from various sports who act as positive role models for the young people. This element of the initiative has been welcomed enthusiastically by teachers and pupils. Many pupils who had been selected to improve their academic performance felt particularly pleased that they had been singled out for the visit of such a special person.
Sue Campbell, Chair of the Youth Sport Trust, says “A huge well done to all schools, staff and pupils who have taken up this successful initiative. We are very pleased that this versatile programme has worked so well to help young people achieve – supported of course by the invaluable hard work and commitment of the teachers.”