High Peak stages Step Into Sport Conference

14 January 2008

It was the turn of the High Peak to stage its Step Into Sport Conference on Thursday, when around 35 young people gathered at Glossop Leisure Centre to find out about volunteering opportunities in sport across Derbyshire.

The conference saw young people from across the High Peak, many who already volunteer in clubs and schools, take part in training sessions on child protection and disability awareness as well as a practical coaching session.

Guest speaker was adventure racer Debbie Smith, who gave an inspirational talk about her sporting career.

She has seen success across a variety of Ultra Distance events including podium positions at competitions such as the Saab Salomon Mountain Mayhem 24hour mountain bike race, the British Adventure Racing Championships and the International Tour du Mont Blanc, and is a skilled Ultra distance Mountain Marathon Runner, Adventure Racer, Mountain Biker, Mountaineer, Climber and Navigator.

Derbyshire Sport youth sport officer Sarah Jones gave a presentation on the national Step Into Sport initiative which encourages people aged 14 to 19 to get involved in sports volunteering.

She also introduced the Leadership Academy, a unique online club exclusively for 16 to 19-year-olds in Derbyshire, which allows members to record and monitor their volunteering hours across many different activities, and collect rewards such as sports clothing and accessories along the way.

Later this month a Step Into Sport Conference for the Derbyshire Dales will be held at Ashbourne Leisure Centre.

Speaking at the event, on January 24, will be Bryan Steel, an Olympic and World Championship Medallist in cycling.

Bolsover’s Step Into Sport Conference will be staged in February.

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