Elite sports mentors get the 2014 Unlocking Potential programme underway

Published: Monday 10 Mar 2014

The Unlocking Potential 'class of 2014' have met the world class athletes who will mentor them over the next eight months in a unique programme delivered by AQA and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.

The 22 young people taking part in the programme were accompanied at the event in London by their teachers and members of their families. They spent the day getting to know each other and taking part in fun team-building activities. The day was hosted by international athlete Adam Whitehead, who competed at the Sydney Olympics.

Now in its third year, Unlocking Potential supports vulnerable 14 to 19 year olds facing challenging personal circumstances. It helps them improve their confidence and self-belief by pairing them with elite athlete mentors. The young people were nominated for Unlocking Potential by their teachers and the programme is funded by education charity AQA.

The teachers who attended the event shared their reasons for nominating, which included 'providing the next steps to college instead of crime', and helping ensure that traumatic early life experiences should not hold a student back. Another teacher spoke proudly of the potential of their student who had run a disability awareness campaign.

In the next stage of the programme, the athlete mentors will provide one-to-one practical support to help their young person plan and develop a community project and will also visit their school. Two further national event days will also be held.

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