Sports ambassadors recognised at inspiring event

More than 100 pupils who promote sport within their schools have received special recognition at an event held by Plymouth University.

Young ambassadors for the Plymouth Schools Sports Partnership (PSSP) met athletic role models from the University and furthered their skills in promoting sporting opportunities at the celebration event last week.

The pupils, who came from secondary schools all over Plymouth, were invited to the day as a reward for their hard work leading, coaching and promoting sport within their schools and throughout the city.

Following workshops in sports media, event planning, sports officiating and team management, the students were visited by University Sporting Excellence Scholar and swimmer Antony James, who gave some words of wisdom on how he has developed in his chosen discipline.

Awards, which are named after PSSP honorary Olympic patrons, were also presented to those whose work throughout the year had gone above and beyond. These awards had been designed and made by the University’s graphic design students.

The Sarah Barrow Award for the Leadership Academy of the Year was won by Hele’s School, The Tonia Couch Award for Young Ambassador of the Year went to Grace Elliot Smith and The Andy Banks Award for the Best Overall Contribution to the PSSP was won by Claire Murray and Hayley Jarvis.

Howard Turner, PSSP Leadership and Volunteering Coordinator, said the day had been inspirational for all of the pupils involved.

“The whole day has been truly superb and I know all involved got a lot out of it,” he said.

“The PSSP Young Ambassador Programme is part of a national initiative empowering young people to inspire students from their schools and around the city to choose to take part in sport and physical education. Through being young ambassadors, students develop advanced life and employability skills which enables them to succeed in life outside of their schools within the community, the work place and further education.”

Caitie Hall, Partnerships Officer at Plymouth University said: “All of the pupils here today have made a huge contribution to boosting sport participation in their schools and wider communities, so it’s brilliant to be able to welcome them here and celebrate.

“Plymouth University prides itself on the wonderful sporting opportunities we are able to offer to all students, along with the support we are able to give to those who compete at national or international level, and we were pleased to be able to share that with these young sporting ambassadors.”

The PSSP is a joint partner of Plymouth University and its Student’s Union (UPSU), with support from the Relays@UPSU programme and volunteers.