Age: 23
Hometown: Edinburgh
Local authority: Midlothian
What sport are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
I am involved within badminton locally, nationally and formerly internationally. I play for Lothian disability badminton club at a local level but used to represent Scotland at national level. This sport started my career or passion within sport development and sport performance so having played it now for 13 years, badminton will always have a place in my heart. I will always be part of the development of the sport even when I am not playing.
What motivated you to be part of the Young People’s Sport Panel?
I want to bring a view or perspective of someone that has overcome and conquered many barriers and challenges and shown people the potential I have when it comes to changing the lives of others or educating people on how everyone is unique and were all different in our own personal ways. Allowing my voice to be heard and valued and also being given the chance to educate and use each individuals skills to our advantage to create something positive for people within sport.
What do you think are (some of) the big challenges facing young people in Scotland today?
- Giving young people that voice that is recognised by those they are approaching as we give so many people opinions, but young people have the power to change the world if we value what they say and recognise it on front of them to others.
- Coming out of Covid, mental health has been a big struggle as people don’t know how to process or access situations around them which has caused a lot of isolation.
- Making transitions from school to their next adventure or to further education a lot smoother by trying to focus more on the support barriers to making the transition more accessible for everyone uniquely.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Scotland?
I think sport allows young people another environment/ place to thrive with a new passion for sport, sport development or social skills but also a place to have fun, inspire, be inspired but also create a pathway for yourself within sport. Sport allows you to be recognised as a key value to the community and showing other young people that anything is possible with that extra step forward to each individual's goal.
Is there a role model who inspires you? What is it about them that you admire?
The role model that inspires me is a charity/organisation known as the Princess Diana Award who give young people a voice and reward them for their work within the community or work helping young people in their daily life - I have been awarded by them for my work within disability sport/badminton and have followed their amazing journey since by helping them at events being a judge and supporting their anti-bullying campaign.