Having collected a
host of World, European and Commonwealth gold medals over the years, Colin
witnessed gold medal moments first-hand on the small Caribbean islands, where
International Inspiration – London 2012’s international legacy programme – is
using sport, physical education and play to inspire young people and help them
develop confidence, self-respect and leadership skills.
In an exclusive
interview with the International Inspiration web team, he shares his thoughts
on the power of sport and how International Inspiration – delivered in
partnership with the British Council, UNICEF and UK Sport – is working to leave
behind a lasting legacy beyond the London 2012 Games.
Why did you become an International Inspiration
Ambassador?
I’m really
passionate about working with and supporting young people and this made
International Inspiration perfect for me. I also know as an athlete how much
you can get as an individual from sport and I really support International
Inspiration’s ambition to use sport to change the lives of children all over
the world. Sport has certainly changed my life!
Why do you think International Inspiration is
so important?
Young people sometimes
have a tough time and can lose motivation. International Inspiration allows
them to experience new things, develop important life skills such as
organisation and empowers them, using sport as the catalyst.
I also feel that
legacy is a really important part of the Games and hope that every future
Olympic and Paralympic Games takes up the mantle of International Inspiration.
London 2012 isn’t just about the competition, it’s about the ethos and the
Olympic Values and International Inspiration is the embodiment of that.
You spent five days in Trinidad and Tobago
visiting a variety of International Inspiration projects – what did you take
away from the experience?
One of the main
things I took from the trip was never give up on young people. Even under tough
conditions they are capable of amazing things. I met children who had a lot to
cope with and young people who had turned their lives around – we sometimes
underestimate the resourcefulness and resilience of young people and what they
can really achieve with a programme like International Inspiration to empower
them.
How is the programme changing the lives of
children and young people in Trinidad and Tobago?
During my trip to
Trinidad and Tobago I saw sport being used to engage children and young people
in a life away from drug, crime and gang culture and create more sporting
opportunities in schools. I visited sporting events organised and run by Young
Leaders who were trained by International Inspiration, saw Child-Friendly
Spaces set up in Tobago to provide children with a safe place to play and met
teachers who were trained and inspired to bring quality sports education to
children in schools across the country.
What was the highlight of your visit?
Starting the Mayaro
Interschool Relay Race – the event was organised and run by Young Leaders on
their own initiative to bring together children from five International
Inspiration schools to take part in a sporting event. It was a huge event with
senior government ministers supporting and hundreds of children participating.
The children taking part were also amazing – I am sure we saw a few future
record breakers taking part!
Were you inspired by any of the young people
you met?
During the visit I
was lucky enough to see how International Inspiration is using sport as a way
to engage children and young people, and inspire them to choose a life with a
brighter future. One day we visited the home of an inspiring Young Leader,
Sheriece, who, despite coming from a particularly deprived area of Trinidad, has
been able to develop leadership and mentoring skills thanks to International
Inspiration. Her whole family welcomed us in for a home cooked lunch and told
us how proud they were of Sheriece’s achievements through the programme – in particular the opportunity she
had to come to the UK for the 2010 UK School Games – her first ever trip out of
the country!
You visited pupils from Haringey schools upon
your return. Do you think it’s important that the programme is also having an
impact in the UK?
Yes, I do. Children in the UK face similar difficulties
and challenges as children elsewhere in the world and can equally benefit from
sport.
I visited Hornsey
School for Girls which has a Schools Links partnership through the British
Council with a school I visited in Tobago. This link has allowed teachers to
share learning, improve the quality of their physical education and has also
allowed cultural links. The children equally have learnt about the life of
their peers in Tobago and shared ideas and began developing friendships. This
link is focusing on sports leadership and developing pupils into Young Leaders,
which will help them develop leadership, organisational skills and build their
confidence – essential skills for children in any country.
How important do you think International
Inspiration is to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games?
I think
International Inspiration is a fundamental part of London 2012. The legacy
programme was a central part of our bid and Seb Coe’s intention to ‘inspire millions
of children around the world to participate in sport and improve their lives as
a result’ is part of what makes London 2012 so special. International
Inspiration is bringing that promise and legacy to life and taking the power of
the Olympic and Paralympic Games to 12 million children in 20 countries.
