Pupils from Renfrewshire secondary schools attended a special Young Ambassadors Conference which was led by Olympic snowboarder Jenny Jones on September 13 at Hampden Park.

The event was delivered by sportscotland, the national agency for sport, as part of the National Lottery funded programme. Each year sportscotland host six regional Young Ambassadors conferences across the country and two pupils from each secondary school in Scotland are invited to attend.

Pupils from Castlehead High School, Gleniffer High School, Gryffe High School, Johnstone High School, Linwood High School, Paisley Grammar School, Park Mains High School, Renfrew High School, St Andrew’s Academy, St Benedict’s High School and Trinity High School attended the fourth Young Ambassador conference of 2017.

Led by Jenny Jones, a former British professional snowboarder who became the first Briton to win an Olympic medal in a snow event, the pupils gained an invaluable insight into the world of sport through the eyes of one of the country’s leading athletes.

Jenny said: “I’m honoured to host the Glasgow leg of sportscotland’s Young Ambassador conferences. The children here today are so passionate about making their voices heard, and for that I really admire them. Not only are the kids eager to learn, but they recognise that sport is an awesome way to express yourself and encourages them to channel their efforts into something positive.”

The Young Ambassadors took part in a range of workshops with a team of Scottish athletes and sport development professionals, including former Scottish rugby sevens captain Colin Gregor, 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Sally Conway, British former swimmer Caitlin McClatchey, and former professional Paralympic athlete Stefan Hoggan.

The athletes provided the pupils with support and advice to help them gain the skills, knowledge and understanding required to undertake their pivotal role within schools and wider communities as role models and leaders of other young people.

Stewart Harris, chief executive at sportscotland, said: “Our Young Ambassador conferences provide an excellent opportunity for pupils across the country who are passionate about sport to make a difference.

“With the chance to meet skilled athletes and leading sport professionals, the pupils gain invaluable first-hand knowledge which will help them in their sporting journeys.”