YOU ARE THE
CHAMPIONS!

Search for “Future Champions”
is launched"

A PIONEERING attempt to find young athletes to triumph for Scotland in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games has been launched.

Leading housing repairs and maintenance provider Laidlaw Scott is searching for talented young Scots who could do with a helping hand to reach their sporting goals and become “Future Champions”.

With the Olympics coming to London in 2012 and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014, this is a one off opportunity to encourage sport participation and healthy lifestyles.

One important way to encourage participation is through the creation of future role models and this is something Laidlaw Scott is keen to support.

Announcing the “Future Champions” programme, Paisley-based Laidlaw Scott Commercial Manager Chris Farmer said: “The Future Champions Programme provides support to individuals and team sports. The aim is to help people achieve their dreams and aspirations, whether that is helping someone reach the Olympics and Commonwealth Games or even supporting the local amateur sports team.”

“We have a responsibility to support the communities which we work within and believe that sport is a powerful tool in bringing communities together.”

Laidlaw Scott is looking for the following:

• Young athletes aged 11-20
• You must be living in a community where Laidlaw Scott or its parent company the Mears Group is working
• Already showing signs of excellence (at or approaching national standard) in an Olympic or Commonwealth sport
• Have a personality which could inspire others
• You’re not currently getting the support you think you really need

In return we will:

• Provide financial support to a maximum of £2000 per applicant
• Provide work experience where appropriate
• Provide any other support Laidlaw Scott can offer.

Laidlaw Scott Managing Director Robert Menzies added: “The Olympics and Commonwealth Games will enthuse athletes across Scotland and change Scottish sporting history forever. The next six years are set to be exciting and competitive, not just for the athletes but for Glasgow as a whole.

“Many athletes set to represent our country in the 2014 games are already undergoing intense training and setting their goals on winning medals for our nation. Life as an athlete not only requires a huge amount of dedication but can also be a financial strain on both the athlete and his or her family.

“Laidlaw Scott understands that many athletes are in need of extra help and continues its dedication to the community by supporting some young athletes. We will support young Future Champions who are showing promise and are wholeheartedly dedicated to their chosen sport.

If you think you fit the bill to be a Future Champion and would like to apply then please contact Laidlaw Scott by email at laidlaw.futurechampions@laidlawscott.com

ends.

Picture: PIC SHOWS SEAN FONTANA WITH CHRIS FARMER, COMMERCIAL MANAGER AT LAIDLAW SCOTT AND ANGELA  PORTER, DIRECTOR  OF THE GLASGOW SCHOOL OF SPORT.

Notes:

Laidlaw Scott is a member of the leading UK Social Housing repairs and maintenance provider Mears Group. Laidlaw Scott provide rapid response and planned maintenance services to Local Authorities and many housing associations throughout the whole of Scotland and has main offices in Paisley, Kilmarnock and Edinburgh.

Laidlaw Scott takes an active role in contributing sustainable improvement and support to the communities in which it works, through practical initiatives such as youth projects, local apprenticeship training, and community facility refurbishments. We deliver in excess of 100 repairs daily to a portfolio of over 10,000 houses Scotland wide.

Further information on this news release is available from Ross Wilson on 07768 280021 email ross@rosswilsonpr.com or Chris Farmer on 0141 848 6262