Northern Ireland

Kelly Holmes visits Belfast to launch scheme aimed at creating future community leaders

Over 150 young people from across Northern Ireland came together with Dame Kelly Holmes yesterday to launch the Youung Leaders Training and Ambassadors Programme. Picture by Hugh Russell
Over 150 young people from across Northern Ireland came together with Dame Kelly Holmes yesterday to launch the Youung Leaders Training and Ambassadors Programme. Picture by Hugh Russell Over 150 young people from across Northern Ireland came together with Dame Kelly Holmes yesterday to launch the Youung Leaders Training and Ambassadors Programme. Picture by Hugh Russell

OLYMPIC athlete Kelly Holmes visited Belfast yesterday to launch a scheme aimed at creating future community leaders.

More than 150 young people from post primary schools across Northern Ireland attended the unveiling of the Young Leaders Training and Ambassadors Programme.

The young people were able to try out a range of activities including uni-hockey, African drumming and calligraphy while talking and learning about good relations and how they can help change their communities.

The scheme aims to create a group of "highly motivated, skilled and socially responsible young people who are enthusiastic about driving forward positive change in their communities and in society".

Aimed at young people aged 16 to 24, the programme will be delivered on behalf of the department of communities by the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust in partnership with PeacePlayers International NI.

Ms Holmes, who won gold in the 800m and 1,500m competitions in Athens in 2004, said: "This is the first time my charity has worked in Northern Ireland and we are honoured to have this opportunity.

"Throughout the 10 years of the Trust, we have always believed in empowering young people to become leaders in their communities and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact these young people can have in the months and years ahead."