A Perth Grammar School student has been presented with the Scotland Student of the Year Award at the Sky Sports Living for Sport Awards 2012.
David Edmeades joined 11 other regional finalists from across the UK at a sports star-studded awards ceremony at Sky Studios.
They were presented with their trophies by the Sky Sports Living for Sport Ambassadors, Olympic heptathlete Jessica Ennis and sprint legend Darren Campbell.
The awards recognise the efforts of students and teachers during 2012 and have two categories student of the year and teacher of the year.
Perth Grammar’s learning support facility ran a project to train students to undertake a 5km run to improve their self-confidence, self-esteem, social skills, behaviour and attainment, as well as to encourage wider participation in PE.
David was chosen to participate to help him make friends and build confidence, something he found difficult because of problems related to autistic spectrum disorder, developmental delay and anxiety.
From the outset of the project he blossomed, developing a great enthusiasm for sport and enjoying a boost to his self-confidence.
His teachers also reported increased interaction with peers and an ability to make suggestions for group projects.
The respect and bond which he formed with the project team was most evident when, suffering from blisters during a practice run, he was hoisted on to the shoulders of two older boys and carried across the finish line.
David’s parents also reported fewer outbursts and arguments with his siblings and a more positive attitude towards school.
Following weeks of dedicated training, David (13) and the project team all completed the 5km challenge in record time, supporting each other across the finish line and demonstrating genuine camaraderie and teamwork skills.
Scott Campbell, youth worker at Perth Grammar School, said: “It is fantastic to see the positive impact of Sky Sports Living for Sport on a pupil whose school life was previously so fraught.
“Through the sporting opportunities David grasped during the project, he is increasingly able to participate more fully in his class and school life and this has been hugely beneficial to him.
“David’s determination and his willingness to accept challenge is a credit to him.
“This project has been the foundation of his growing confidence and sociability and he is a much happier student as a result.”