Hockey player Holly Cram to support education legacy for Commonwealth Games

Scotland International hockey player Holly Cram has been confirmed today as the first ambassador for Game on Scotland – the official education programme for Glasgow 2014. As Game on Scotland ambassador, Holly will be involved in engaging directly with pupils across Scotland, as a positive role model she will talk at and attend various events such as school assemblies, award ceremonies and prize-givings, as well as Games themed learning events.

Speaking at Comely Park Primary School, Falkirk, where pupils enjoyed a hockey taster session led by Holly, Commonwealth Games and Sport Minister Shona Robison said,

“We are working hard to ensure that we grasp the unique opportunity that the Commonwealth Games will present in 2014 to inspire children and young people. One clear legacy of the Games is the chance to encourage young people to be the best they can be and the Game on Scotland programme offers a broad range of resources, information and opportunities to assist in learning.

“I’m delighted that Holly will join the programme as Ambassador, her drive and commitment as an athlete, makes her a great role model to inspire pupils and teachers alike. As well as her outstanding sporting achievements, she can talk knowledgably and credibly about achievement and attainment to inspire our young people.”

Holly Cram is a Scottish International and Glasgow Western Hockey Player. She has amassed over 140 caps for Scotland and previously competed for Team Scotland in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Holly has recently completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Physical Education at Strathclyde University, recently qualified as at teacher and currently coaches at Dollar Academy. Speaking today, she said:

“Representing Team Scotland at the 2010 Commonwealth Games is one of the highlights of my hockey career and to compete again at a home Games in Glasgow is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m already seeing the effect and legacy impact the Games is having on my home city, as well as across the whole of Scotland, and the organisers have done an incredible job so far.

“I’m thrilled to be coming on board also as an Ambassador for Game on Scotland, to help spread learnings around the Games, and the impact they will have on our young people will be invaluable. Youngsters will be able to see first-hand how hard work and a little self-belief can make anyone successful.”

Alison Drever, Senior Education Officer at Education Scotland said,

“We are delighted to welcome Holly to the programme, especially today when we are awarding the second Game on Scotland plaque. The school has whole-heartedly embraced the Games to develop the understanding of what it means to be a global citizen, and is creating unique learning opportunities for their young people.”

Glasgow 2014 mascot Clyde joined in the fun, too, as Comely Park had won a recent competition to receive a visit from the cheeky thistle. The school was also presented with the second Game on Scotland plaque, for its far reaching plans to develop a whole school focus on global citizenship and health and wellbeing through engaging with the Commonwealth Games. Your school can also receive a plaque, by telling us about your exciting Games-related learning plans in the Game On Challenge.