Student keeps eyes on the prize to bring young people into sport

A Perthshire student has been selected for a programme which aims to develop sport across Scotland.

Rian Harvey, 15, from Crieff, triumphed over 156 applicants to win a place on the Young People’s Sports Panel (YPSP).

The Crieff High School pupil is a competitive swimmer for Stirling Swimming Club.

The panel is led by sportscotland and Young Scot and will create online content to encourage young people to get involved.

Rian will work with 18 fellow members over the next two years.

The teenager said he was looking forward to inspiring more young people to get involved in sport and to promoting swimming.

He said: “My main ambition is to improve sport in Scotland and I hope as a panel we can make a difference for the future. I would hope to encourage and inspire more young people to get involved in sport and the benefits it brings.

“I would also like to promote more swimming in primary schools, allowing all children to achieve this essential life skill.”

Rian was picked in the panel’s fourth two-year cycle.

Over the next few months, the 19 members will help schools implement the School Sport Awards programme and address regional and national issues.

Young Scot chief executive Louise Macdonald said: “The YPSP’s new members have a wonderful opportunity to shape Scottish sport and help build an active legacy from the Year of Young People 2018.

“We are all really looking forward to working with Rian and the other panel members to create exciting opportunities for other young people in their local communities.”

Rian Harvey, 15, will help promote sport to young people.