Scotland is delighted to welcome over 250 young people from across the Commonwealth to the historic town of Dumfries for the Commonwealth Youth Summit being held 6 – 9 June 2014.

The summit, hosted by a partnership between Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, is Scotland’s National Youth Work Event for Commonwealth Games Legacy. The event will feature  an exciting line-up of keynote speakers and presenters from the business, sporting and community sectors across the UK.

The main key note speaker will be Olympic and Commonwealth Gold Medallist swimmer Rebecca (Becky) Adlington OBE, who will highlight both the impact and benefits of leadership and volunteering.

Becky is Great Britain’s greatest ever swimmer and Olympic royalty. She became a household name following her two gold medal winning performances at the Beijing Games in August 2008. Becky’s drive and thirst for success meant that she won a medal in each of the Olympic finals she swam. A four time Olympic medallist in the 400m and 800m Freestyle, she won two Gold medals in Beijing 2008 and two Bronze medals in London 2012.

Becky retired from elite swimming in 2013 and announced a vision for her legacy: Becky Adlington’s SwimStars – a swimming initiative with the goal that every child in Britain will be able to swim 25 metres by the time they leave primary school. Her famous drive is now channelled into this vision, and given her track-record she is well placed to achieve her most challenging goal to date.

Following her success in Beijing, Rebecca was awarded an OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace and accepted the Laureus World Sports Awards ‘Breakthrough of the Year Award’ from Sebastian Coe.

Becky said, “I’m delighted to be able to appear at the youth summit; I can’t wait to meet the young people and hear about all the great work they do in their communities.”

Young people participating at the Summit will be staying in a jamboree style campsite for the weekend at the town’s main park, Dock Park which has recently undergone transformational improvements.. The works include a new mini golf course, play equipment, refurbished bandstand, and makes it a facility which supports and encourages a range of local events and healthy activities.

Ronnie Nicolson, Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader said “We are very proud to be hosting such a prestigious event here in Dumfries.  I am honoured to give a warm welcome to young people from across Scotland and the Commonwealth and pleased our Council can help to give these inspiring young leaders a voice. “

Councillor Brian Collins is Depute Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council.  He said, “This is a flagship event for our Council’s Legacy programme from the Commonwealth Games.  I wish the young people a successful and energising event.  I hope the participants have a fruitful summit and that they make connections with people around the Commonwealth that are lasting and life-changing.”

Barry Fisher, Director for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scotland said “We are excited to be working with our DofE partners at Dumfries and Galloway Council to deliver this unique event. We very much look forward to bringing young people from Scotland and the Commonwealth together to share in this leadership weekend.

The theme of sharing cultures and experiences will be explored through the whole weekend. With the exciting mixture of keynote speeches, workshops and social events, the Summit’s sure to leave the young people attending with lasting memories of the summit and their time in Dumfries.

People who would like more information or to register for the summit should visit www.youthsummit2014.org