World class athletes support Devon youngsters

Over the next four years, world class athletes will be supporting over 2,300 young disadvantaged people in Devon.

The Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, founded by double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, has been working in Devon for several years now.

The trust has announced it will work with 2,300 disadvantaged young people through the mentoring schemes Get on Track and On Track to Achieve.

These schemes aim to help young people realise the attitudes needed to live a positive life and helps them to develop the skills required to exit into sport, training, education, volunteering, and employment.

Last year, after starting the Get on Track programme 72 percent of participants entered into employment, education, or training.

Each programme has a 14 month plan which aims to support and engage those involved, which helps them to take their next steps and make the most of the athletes mentoring them.

The athletes that are getting involved with the scheme is GB Olympic silver medallist rower and double world champion Annie Vernon, GB Olympian and commonwealth medallist pistol shooter Georgina Geikie, and GB Olympian and water polo captain Craig Figes.

Georgina Geikie, who is local to Devon, said: “It’s absolutely fabulous using athletes to help to bring to life the certain skills that young people need, but also to inspire and encourage them.

“Each programme is bespoke to each individual and there is a lot of listening and taking on board what each individual wants.

“I feel very lucky to be involved and to give back to the community. It’s all about inspiring the next generation.”

The programmes involves a mixture of activities to keep the groups proactive such as going tree climbing, go carting and visiting business’ to see all the different jobs available and how they work.

Karen Jones, senior development manager for Active Devon said: “The athlete mentors are amazing and are great people to work with, both for the young people and the organisations.

“I love talking to the parents and families of the young people on the programme as what they will say is how much the participants have changed from start to finish.”