This year's Lead 2014 programme will see an emphasis placed on what needs to be done for the final countdown to Glasgow 2014 and will be rolled out across University conference dates between February 6 and March 26.

Using Glasgow 2014 as the catalyst, Lead 2014 will attempt to capture young people's energy and enthusiasm for sport and enable them to become role models in sports leadership as well as seeing the value of volunteering in sport.

"The Lead 2014 programme enjoys an outstanding response from young people and the number of them empowered by it in their communities has grown significantly year on year," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg.

"Using sport as a platform to promote leadership, volunteering, health and well-being, Lead 2014 instils in the students and pupils a desire to be part of the Games and to become more aware of and involved in the Commonwealth.

"I truly hope we will see many of these young people engage with the various activities around Glasgow 2014 and with other major events in years to come, ensuring a strong and lasting legacy from Lead 2014 and its continuing achievements."

Scottish hockey players Michael Bremner and Alison Howie were on hand to help launch this year's Lead 2014 campaign ©Glasgow 2014



Now entering its fourth year, Lead 2014 is a partnership between the Youth Sport Trust, sportscotland and Glasgow 2014 that aims to harness the enthusiasm and potential of young people to create the next generation of sports leaders.

The programme consists of a series of conferences that help develop leadership skills through volunteering in sport and in turn help to raise the profile of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Launched in 2011, Lead 2014 saw around 7,000 university students, young leaders and primary and secondary school children take part in the initiative while last year the numbers had risen to more than 19,000, according to Lead 2014.

With just under 40,000 participants having taken part in the past three years, organisers expect that to pass through the 50,000 barrier this year, reaching all 32 Local Authorities in Scotland.

"Volunteers are the lifeblood of Scottish sport, without whom it would struggle to function as it does, which is why creating the next generation of leaders in sport is so important," said chief executive of sportscotland Stewart Harris.

"Lead 2014 has already provided thousands of young people with the opportunity to enhance their skills, as well as helping to build their enthusiasm for the Games.

"Glasgow 2014 represents a wonderful opportunity for all involved in Scottish sport, and as the Lead 2014 programme continues it will help provide us with a sporting legacy to be proud of."

This year's programme will see seven Lead 2014 University Conferences taking place in February and March.

The University of the Highlands and Islands will host the first conference this coming Thursday (February 6) followed by Strathclyde University on February 28.

The University of St Andrews will be the next stop on March 11 followed by Robert Gordon University on March 13, the University of Stirling on March 20, the University of Edinburgh on March 24 and the University of West Scotland on March 26.

In addition to pupil and student education, the programme also offers an interactive workshop for secondary school PE teachers and Active Schools Coordinators.

The University of St Andrews will host one of seven Lead 2014 Conferences on March 11 ©Getty Images



Deanna Lundie, 20, got involved with the programme in 2012 and this will be her third year taking part.

"My experience as a student attending a Lead 2014 event at Inverness College has allowed me to increase my knowledge and skills teaching young leaders to run sporting events in their local area," she said.

"I believe that volunteering in this event helps with building self-confidence, through interacting with others as well as dealing with difficult and new situations.

"It means you can help others and enhance your own CV.

"After being involved in Lead 2014, my commitment to volunteering was rewarded when I got the opportunity to work at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in both the Athletes' Village and the Velodrome, an unforgettable experience.

"Following this, I got selected to represent Scotland at the European Youth and Sport conference in Cyprus where I focused on volunteering and why it was important to people.

"After being part of Lead 2014, I really wanted to be part of the Commonwealth Games so have combined the two as a pre-Games volunteer helping with Lead 2014."

For more information on the Lead 2014 programme click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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