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Olympian Mentor Unlocks Potential
13
A determined pupil has received Olympic
inspiration to take forward her plans for a
community youth project. Longfield Academy
of Sport pupil Beth Lynas is being mentored
by former Judo Olympian Chloe Cowen, in a
bid to create a Darlington teenage drop-in
centre, as part of a nationwide Unlocking
Potential Programme sponsored by Dame
Kelly Holmes.
The programme, run by AQA and the Dame
Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, aims to help
unlock the potential of young people aged
14-19 who have shown commitment and
integrity in the face of challenging personal
circumstances. Dame Kelly said “ Unlocking
Potential is a personal development
programme that will give Beth a fantastic
opportunity to make a really positive impact on her local community. In a project delivered by worldclass
sports stars, Beth has earned the chance to learn from winners in sport, helping her to be the
best she can be.”
Nominated by her RE teacher Miss Greenhow, Beth is one of only 20 young people in the country
selected to take part in the venture. “This will be an amazing opportunity for Beth,” said Miss
Greenhow. “She is such a thoughtful young woman who puts others first. This will be her chance to
pull together everything she is doing and to recognise the contribution she is already making to others
around her.” The programme will help will help its participants, supported by their sports mentor, set
up and run a social action project within their local community.
Beth, currently a pupil in Year 11, said: “When I found out that I was part of the Unlocking Potential
Programme I knew straight away that I wanted to set up something for teenagers because there is
nowhere safe for them to go and nothing for them to do at night. Most groups of young people either
get moved on in the town or get into trouble and I don’t want that to keep happening. Friends of mine
were moved on by the police from the town centre and when they went to a local park they were
threatened with a knife. I want to use this project to create an environment where young people can
come together and socialise safely.”
After submission of a business case, Beth will bid for funding for the project from the Dame Kelly
Holmes Legacy Trust and AQA, as well as looking for potential additional revenue from businesses
and local authorities.
Mentor Chloe, 38, of Blyth, a 12 times national champion, Commonwealth Games Gold medallist and
five time European medallist, competed in the 2000 Sydney Olympics before a broken foot halted her
dream of a medal. “Beth and I clicked straight away when we met,” said Chloe. “She has got a gritty
determination and knows exactly what she wants to achieve. My role as her mentor is to work with
Beth, to bring out her confidence, ambition and drive and together we will try to deliver a sustainable
community project which she can be very proud of. Her idea for a safe place for teenagers to socialise
is fantastic. It’s not an easy time at the moment for young people but I’m sure this will make a really
positive impact on the community and it will be a great experience for Beth to manage her own
projects to benefit young people.”
Andrew Hall, Chief Executive of AQA, said, “We’re excited to be working with the DKH Legacy Trust
on a project that will make a direct and lasting difference to the lives of the people taking
part. Sometimes all that young people need is a bit of a boost to help them realise their potential – I
really hope this opportunity provides them with the inspiration they need .”