AN INNOVATIVE programme which helps gets young and disadvantaged people back into long-term employment, education and training with the help of world class athletes has been launched in Coventry.
National charity Dame Kelly Holmes Trust’s Get on Track programme was launched earlier this month and will provide 16-24-year-olds with a 14-month programme to help transform their attitudes to make positive life choices.
Participants will enjoy sports and activity sessions with local sports partnership CSW Sport and the Trust is also working closely with local training provider SCCU, who will deliver the employments elements along with other local organisations.
“Through our programmes young people develop vital skills from our athletes such as communication, teamwork and taking responsibility which are crucial to both individual and workplace success,” said Emma Atkins, chief executive of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
“The Get on Track programme successfully motivates 16 to 25-year-olds by tackling the barriers they are facing head-on and turning them into confident and self-motivated young adults.
“Our athletes are great mentors who use their experience of facing adversity and overcoming the odds to succeed in sport to help young people struggling to lead positive lives.”
Participants on the programme, which is funded by Sport England, will be mentored by the UK’s number one vert skater Rich Parker, with support from former champion badminton player Liz Cann.
Both athletes will use their unique experience of elite competition to help motivate and inspire the young people, while also sharing personal advice with them.
Parker, a Dame Kelly Holmes Trust athlete mentor, added: “I’m proud to be part of Dame Kelly Holmes Trust team and to mentor on the Get on Track programme: it’s great to be able to empower more young people to become the best they can be.”
For more information about the programme visit www.damekellyholmestrust.org.
