41 students from 14 secondary schools attended the launch of the region’s School Sport Journalism programme at Dumfries Academy.
Students attended from Stranraer Academy, Douglas Ewart High School, St Joseph’s College, Sanquhar Academy, Wallace Hall Academy, Dumfries Academy, Maxwelltown High School, Dalry Secondary School, Dalbeattie High School, Kirkcudbright Academy, Lockerbie Academy, Moffat Academy, and Annan Academy.
The event gave students the opportunity to interview a number of current and former professional athletes, participate in interactive workshops, and go live on Facebook while interviewing footballer Wullie Gibson and world champion wheelchair racer Shelby Watson.
Wullie said: “Really enjoyed today, some great questions got me thinking a lot about my career. These students have real opportunity to make a difference. I hope they take it and make it their own. I’ll happily come back and work with them again if asked. It was a fantastic experience.“
Shelby said: “It was amazing to meet such a great line up of up and coming journalists. I feel proud to be a part of a region that promotes sport and encourages young people to follow their dreams. All those young people in that room have such strong potential to be great journalists.“
The students applied to be a part of the project over summer and will be reporting on sporting activities that their schools participate in.
All students will be offered support and training on a range of appropriate issues, including photography, copyright, and social media.
The project will run all year, with articles raising the profile of school sport and highlighting local and national successes
The project aims to raise the profile of sport and increase opportunities for those interested in journalism as a career.
Articles will be shared on Facebook, distributed to local newspapers, and published in school newsletters.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning [CYPLL] committee said, “Providing the best start in life for all our children is priority for our Council. In raising the profile of school sport across the region, each student is learning new skills and gaining valuable real-life experience that they will be able to use to take their next step into education or employment.”
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “Building the local economy is a priority for our Council. Improving the prospects for young people to move into further education or secure a job are key to this. Initiatives such as this are a great way for young people to find out about potential careers, learn skills, and develop themselves.”
