Sporting pair pave the way to Olympics

2:12pm Friday 19th October 2007

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TWO Tottington High School pupils have struck gold after they were selected as Young Ambassadors for the borough in the run-up to the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Fifteen-year-olds Rachel Waddington and Andrew Bull will champion increased sports participation and healthy living among young people and focus on promoting learning in PE and sports as well as promoting the 2012 Games.

The teenagers are among 834 Young Ambassadors nationwide and, throughout their stint, will work alongside local school sports co-ordinator Darren Handley.

Tottington High School was asked by the Woodhey School Sports Partnership to represent the borough by selecting two pupils.

Rachel was chosen to become a Young Ambassador for sport. During the past four years, she has shown good leadership and volunteering skills as well as a talent for gymnastics. She works hard with a local gymnasium, supporting younger children to develop skills.

Fellow pupil Andrew did not really need a second invitation to the programme as he has honed his skills in a number of sports over the past few years, both at Tottington High School and at club level. He currently represents England Under 16s at hockey and plays tennis to a high standard at a local club. Andrew's prowess has seen him represent the borough in sporting activities.

Both pupils have just returned from a Young Ambassadors conference in Derby which was attended by a number of Olympic athletes. The event equipped Rachel and Andrew with the skills and knowledge necessary to help other young people to become volunteers, future medal winners or ambassadors within a chosen sport.

Mr Handley said: "This was the opportunity of a lifetime to gain further skills and develop their knowledge to take sport towards a new and exciting experience while having first hand knowledge of the progress of the build-up to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Both Andrew and Rachel will now play a key role by supporting any sporting events that the Woodhey Partnership offer to all of their cluster primary schools and high schools."