Lerwick youngsters chosen as youth ambassadors for Commonwealth Games of 2014

Teenagers Kristoffer Thomason and Lauren Odie, both from Lerwick, have been announced as Shetland’s Youth Legacy Ambassadors for the Glasgow Commonwealth 2014 Games.

Young Scot has recruited Youth Legacy Ambassadors from across Scotland to play a crucial role in the run-up to the games. The aim is that they will inspire and engage young people in Scotland to get the most out of hosting the Commonwealth Games and other major events such as London 2012.

Kristoffer, 16, said: “We plan to organise local events to bring together our community and engage young people in sports activities. We also hope to visit Shetland primary schools and present the themes of the Commonwealth Games: active, sustainable, connected and flourishing.”

Kristoffer and Lauren travelled to Glasgow at the weekend to meet other ambassadors and discuss ways to inspire people in their local community to become more active. They were also able to take part in promoting the “Sport Your Trainers” campaign. People across Scotland are being encouraged to wear their trainers on Commonwealth Day (12th March) to show their support for the Glasgow Games.

Lauren, 16, said: “I had a really enjoyable weekend. I got to meet new people and discuss how to promote the Commonwealth Games. We were involved in team building exercises, and had the opportunity to meet Shona Robinson, the Scottish government minister for the Commonwealth Games and sports.”