Active Schools Dumfries and Galloway hosted its annual Young Ambassadors Conference on Tuesday 1 September at The Bridge, bringing together elected Young Ambassadors from secondary schools across the region.
The conference saw an outstanding 41 of the 48 elected Young Ambassadors attend – representing secondary schools from across Dumfries and Galloway and demonstrating the enthusiasm and commitment of young people to making a difference through sport and physical activity.
The Young Ambassadors programme, supported by sportscotland, gives young people the opportunity to become positive role models and advocates for sport within their schools and communities. The conference provided an opportunity for pupils to develop their leadership skills, share ideas and, importantly, have their voices heard as they consider how sport and physical activity can be developed locally.
A major highlight of the day was the involvement of two-time Olympic silver medallist and curling star Hammy McMillan, who spent the entire day with the Young Ambassadors.
Hammy spoke passionately about his own journey through sport, the opportunities and experiences it has given him and the impact that sport can have on young people’s lives. He also took part fully in the day’s activities, working alongside the Young Ambassadors and sharing his experience and advice.
Hammy McMillan said:
“The Young Ambassadors programme is a fantastic initiative and it was brilliant to spend the whole day with such an enthusiastic group of young people.
"They were a credit to their schools and communities – they got involved, asked great questions and, most importantly, had some really exciting ideas about how they can make a difference through sport and physical activity.
"Active Schools are doing a brilliant job of giving young people that opportunity and platform, and it was fantastic to see the programme in action in Dumfries and Galloway.”
Throughout the conference, the Young Ambassadors were encouraged to think beyond simply participating in sport and to consider how they themselves can influence, lead and create opportunities for other young people. The energy and enthusiasm shown throughout the day has already translated into ambitious plans, with Young Ambassadors returning to their schools and communities determined to put their ideas into action.
The conference also supports the wider ambition of Dumfries and Galloway to increase participation in sport and physical activity and ensure that young people have a meaningful role in shaping the opportunities available to them.
Councillor Tracey Little, Chair of the council's Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee, said:
“It is hugely encouraging to see so many young people from across Dumfries and Galloway taking such an active role in shaping the future of sport and physical activity. Giving our young people a genuine voice, and empowering them to turn their ideas into action, is exactly the kind of leadership we want to encourage.
"The enthusiasm demonstrated through this programme shows that our young people have a great deal to contribute, and programmes such as Young Ambassadors are helping us to make sure that their voices are heard.
"This work makes a direct contribution to our wider physical activity ambitions for Dumfries and Galloway and demonstrates the strength of the partnership between our schools, Active Schools and young people.”
Councillor George Jamieson, Vice-Chair of the committee, said:
“Having someone of Hammy McMillan’s calibre spend the day with our Young Ambassadors is hugely valuable. For young people who are passionate about sport and want to inspire others in their own schools and communities, having the opportunity to meet and learn from an Olympic medallist can be incredibly powerful.
"Hammy is also a great example of the impact that someone from our own region can have, so to see someone who grew up in Stranraer giving his time and experience back to inspire the next generation is fantastic.
"The influence of opportunities like this can go far beyond a single day – it can build confidence, ambition and leadership in our young people and create a lasting legacy as they take what they have learned back into their schools and encourage others to be more active. That is a hugely positive contribution to the future of sport and physical activity across Dumfries and Galloway.”
The conference represents another significant step in putting young people at the heart of the region’s approach to sport and physical activity, with Active Schools continuing to provide opportunities for pupils to lead, influence and inspire others.