Commonweath judo champion Sarah Adlington will be mentoring Kirkcaldy school pupils under a new scheme.
The 2014 gold medallist will be helping young people at Kirkcaldy High School build confidence and life skills under the On Track to Achieve programme launched by Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
Being rolled out across the UK, the project is aimed at helping those facing disadvantage fulfil their full potential.
Dame Kelly Holmes said: “We believe that a young person’s life chances should not be determined by their postcode and are committed to finding new ways to engage with young people in isolated areas.
“Over 240 students will benefit directly from our athletes as part of this project, however most importantly the research will help transform the lives of thousands more in the future who would otherwise experience difficulty in receiving support.”
The project was made possible following a significant Extra Award of £200,000 from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
On Track to Achieve uses world class athletes to empower young people in full time education. The programme is targeted at students facing challenging personal circumstances or suffering from low levels of self-esteem and confidence.
Working in small groups of five to eight students, athlete mentors provide tailored support to enhance participants’ personal and social development, through the setting of individual goals and targets. Young people also develop vital skills such as teamwork.
Ben Hilton, head of young people’s programmes at Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, said: “This is a really big step forward for us as a charity and will demonstrate our commitment to listen to the voices of young people. We’re looking forward to using this information to tailor our delivery in isolated areas.”
Head of charities for People’s Postcode Lottery, Clara Govier, added: “Players of People’s Postcode Lottery will be glad to know this programme is only possible thanks to the money they have raised.
“It will be exciting to see this develop and the journey of the young people involved.”
