THE SCOTLAND CALL FOR ERIN
Auchterarder teenager flies the flag for her country
Auchterarder’s Erin Sinclair has been called up to the Scotland squad for this year’s School Games.
The 18-year-old will fly the flag for her country during the rugby sevens tournament at the prestigious multisport event, which takes place at Loughborough University from August 31 until September 3.
Around 1600 talented school- age athletes will compete across 12 sports at the School Games, seven of which include disability disciplines.
The four-day event is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.
Erin – a pupil at the Community School of Auchterarder who plays for Stirling County RFC – will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of Britain’s biggest sporting stars who have previously competed at the event prior to achieving future international success in the senior ranks.
Alumni include Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Team GB sprinter Adam Gemili.
Former Paralymic participants, wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft, swimmer Ellie Simmonds and sprinter Jonnie Peacock – for many, the face of the Paralympics in London 2012 – have also taken part.
Erin already has an impressive record of success at the School Games, having been selected for the 2016 event as well.
She said she was looking forward to competing again this year, and declared: “Watching the 2016 Olympics Rugby Sevens women’s team really inspired me.”
“The School Games national finals provide a great opportunity for talented young athletes like Erin,” said Ali Oliver, chief Eexecutive officer of the Youth Sport Trust.
“Competitors get a real taste of what it’s like to be part of a world-class sporting event at the amazing sporting venues of Loughborough University, and the event is a great way to see our future sporting champions in action today.”
The School Games is described as the springboard for future athletes – with 56 of the 382 athletes representing Team GB at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio having previously competed at the School Games.
At the event Erin will experience the excitement of competing at the highest level.
She will live in a dedicated Athletes’ Village on the Loughborough University campus, take part in an opening ceremony and perform in front of huge crowds of spectators.