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Young leader selected for Beijing trip

20 August 2008

Caelan Chambers, from Fairfield in Buxton, is one of just 100 18 to 25-year-olds from the UK to be selected for the trip, which will see him learn more about disability sport and Chinese culture.

The 18-year-old former Buxton Community School student will fly out to Beijing on September 3, and during a nine-day trip will tour China and see some of the Olympic and Paralympic venues as well as attending some Paralympic events.

Caelan (pictured) will also attend a number of educational workshops, and work with young people from China and Hong Kong to share their views on sport and disability sport.

On his return Caelan will then work with primary and secondary school pupils in the High Peak, sharing his experiences and delivering a session to promote Beijing and the cultural differences between China and the UK as well as disability sport.

Caelan, who will begin a BA (Hons) Social Work course at Sheffield Hallam University in September, said: “I am so excited to be going to Beijing. It’s amazing.

“I am also looking forward to working with the kids and sharing what I have learnt when I get back.”

Caelan was selected for the British Council’s Young Advocate Programme after clocking up more than 250 voluntary hours through the Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy in the past 12 months, and this year passed his Sports Leaders UK Level 3 Award.

His volunteering work has included helping to organise summer sports activities as well as sporting events such as sports days at Buxton Community School.

Other volunteering roles have included coaching at Buxton Athletics Club, and officiating at the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

Caelan has also regularly coached at the Buxton Community Disability Sports Club, and was a representative on the High Peak Disability Sports Forum.

Community Sports Development Officer Richard Gartside said: “Caelan is a perfect role model for young leaders and has shown a professional attitude in all the voluntary work he undertakes.

“If anybody deserves this trip it is Caelan because the stuff he does out in the community is amazing.

“We are keen to support him in every way we can and are very proud. This shows people what opportunities are out there for young leaders.”

Sarah Jones, Derbyshire Sport Youth Sport Officer, added: “Derbyshire Sport is delighted that Caelan will be representing Derbyshire and all of its young leaders in Beijing, he is a worthy ambassador.

“His volunteering work and the commitment he shows is second to none. He is a fantastic role model to have as part of the Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy and we wish him a successful trip and look forward to him passing on his knowledge to young people across Derbyshire when he returns.”

Caelan’s time in Beijing has been organised by the British Council, which is covering the cost of all activities in China, including food, accommodation and tour guides.

However Caelan must meet his own travel expenses, and has been helped by contributions from Derbyshire Sport, Buxton Community School and the High Peak School Sports Partnership. In addition, he has also received individual contributions, including from High Peak Borough Council Cllr Andrew Bingham.

If any group or individual wishes to financially support Caelan’s trip please contact Richard Gartside at Buxton Community Schools Sports College on 01298 212150, or e-mail rgartside@buxton.derbyshire.sch.uk.

The Derbyshire Sports Leadership Academy aims to get more young people volunteering in Sport.

The web-based initiative allows members to record their volunteering hours, search for courses, find discounts on courses, enter competitions and get in touch with other members of the Academy.