Local sports stars join Youth Games
Former Exeter Chiefs star Matt Jess and GB cycling international Lauren Dolan have joined the South West Rotary Youth Games as official ambassadors.
The Cornwall-raised Jess spent nine seasons with the Chiefs, a period that included promotion to the Premiership, an Anglo-Welsh Cup Triumph and 2017’s famous Premiership title victory.
Newton Abbot-based 18 year old Dolan has represented GB at the European Youth Olympics and World Championships – in the latter she bravely completed the time trial event despite a serious crash.
Jess now runs MSJ Coaching, a multi-sport coaching company working with all ages to develop fundamental sport and activity skills, in a fun environment.
He says: “There are so many benefits to taking part in sport and physical activity and that’s why I am really happy to be an ambassador for the South West Rotary Youth Games.
“I tried plenty of sports when I was young and that’s really healthy. You can really develop your skills trying new sports and it gives you a great foundation for long-term involvement and enjoyment of sport.”
Lauren says: “I am really happy to be an ambassador for the South West Rotary Youth Games. I took part in the Youth Games in football and really enjoyed representing my own area of Teignbridge. It was great to get that recognition and give me some extra motivation at a young age.”
Lauren Dolan is set to attend this year’s South West Rotary Youth Games Finals at Dawlish on Saturday 7 July, where around 1,500 young people are expected to represent their area across 14 sports.
There will also be lots of family entertainment open to all on the day, including tennis, swimming, archery, bubble football, skateboarding, food stalls, one mile fun run, bouncy castle and much more.
Chris Broadbent, Chief Executive, South West Youth Games Trust said: “Both Matt Jess and Lauren Dolan are brilliant role models for young people in Devon and Cornwall and we are delighted that they are joining us as ambassadors.
“Participation in sport and physical activity opens up great possibilities, from simply living a healthier and happier lifestyle, to reaching the upper levels of elite sport. We are really grateful for their support in spreading the message over getting more young people into regular activity across all South West communities.”
