Frew is mister motivator as Sporting Champions scheme takes off

Thursday 30 October 2003

The Sporting Champions scheme sprang into life today when Commonwealth Games gymnastics gold medallist Steve Frew made the inaugural visit to Chryston High School in North Lanarkshire, where he was supported by Frank McAveety MSP, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The Sporting Champions Scheme for Scotland announced last March, is a new initiative, which is one element of sportscotland’s Active Schools programme, developed as part of the Scottish Executive's Physical Activity Strategy. Sporting Champions uses sports stars and emerging talent to inspire and motivate young people to become and remain involved in sport as part of an active, healthy lifestyle.

Although the scheme uses prominent personalities, who have been successful in their sport, it will not focus on sporting excellence among the young but on encouraging sports participation at whatever level. The programme is delivered through visits to selected primary and secondary schools, messages of support and the Sporting Champions website.

Commenting on today’s visit Frank McAveety said: “Scotland’s sports stars of today can be a major influence on our young people and help inspire our heroes of tomorrow.

“The Sports Champions Scheme for Scotland will allow our sporting men and women to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm. Additionally, they can inspire and motivate young people to participate in sport and adopt healthy lifestyles.

"Participation in sport not only brings health benefits through physical activity, but it can also help build our young people's self-confidence and self-esteem.”

Steve, now 30 years of age, first represented Scotland as an eight year old and jointly holds the record of winning eight consecutive men’s senior titles in the Scottish Championships. He has completed in four Commonwealth Games and reached the pinnacle of his career in Manchester last year when he won gold on the rings.

Keen to share his experiences with the young people, Steve Frew said, “I am delighted to make this visit to encourage young people to take part in sport.

“Sport has taught me an incredible amount about keeping fit, commitment and self-discipline as well as being great fun. I have had some fantastic experiences through my career in sport and I want these youngsters to enjoy the benefits of sport too.

Ian Robson, Chief Executive of sportscotland said: “School children are the future of sport in Scotland and a key target of sportscotland is to encourage widening opportunities for participation amongst young people.

“Sporting Champions is one way in which we are promoting the benefits of sport and physical activity to young people. We want to show that it does not matter whether you want to pursue sport at the highest level or just take up physical activity for fun – it has significant benefits for everyone. I am sure that this visit today by one of Scotland’s Sporting Champions will inspire hundreds of youngsters to get active.”

• sportscotland is the national body for sport in Scotland and our goal is to make more people more active more often. We are dedicated to increasing participation in sport by all, from primary school children trying sport for the first time to elite athletes seeking success on the world stage.
• In March 2003 the Scottish Executive made £1.65m available to sportscotland from End of Year Funding to enhance the Active Schools project. From that investment, £100k has been allocated to develop the Sports Ambassadors principle by extending the Sporting Champions programme successfully developed in England through a partnership between Sport England and consultants PMP.