Celebration to mark second Unlocking Potential finale

The event in central London saw the young people, who were nominated by their teachers, presented with certificates to celebrate their outstanding achievements. The last year has seen them work with elite athletes as part of an intensive mentoring scheme which supports them whilst they deliver a range of local projects benefitting their communities.

Run jointly with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust and funded by AQA , this unique programme pairs students with champion athletes as part of a mentoring scheme to recognise and develop their full potential. During the year the students also planned and delivered their own community projects including a showcase charity fashion show, created a personal video project about life in foster care and organised a dodge ball tournament to raise funds for a guide dog. Fellow students also enjoyed a new breakfast club developed by one of the participants for their school.

The elite athletes mentoring the participants in the 2013 Unlocking Potential programme include Great Britain Rugby League player Paul Broadbent; London 2012 Team GB swimmer Ross Davenport; and Neil Danns, a European skateboarding champion.

Chief Executive Andrew Hall and Dame Kelly Holmes praised all of the young people who have overcome personal challenges and gone on to make a difference in their local communities.

Andrew Hall said:

"I'm delighted to be celebrating the achievements of this year's Unlocking Potential students: all these young people should be very proud of themselves. Not only are they making a real difference in their local communities, but they are also developing as individuals and building skills for the future, with the support of their athlete mentors and teachers. As the second year of the programme draws to a close, we are really pleased to continue to work with teachers across the country, to ensure every young person's potential is realised. We'd like to encourage teachers to nominate students for the 2014 Unlocking Potential programme, when nominations open on 11 November."

Unlocking Potential aims to help unlock the potential of young people aged 14-19 who have shown commitment and integrity in the face of challenging personal circumstances with the support of their athlete mentor. It was a PE teacher, Debbie Page from Hugh Christie School in Tonbridge, who recognised and encouraged the sporting talent potential of Dame Kelly Holmes which later led to her becoming a successful double Olympic champion.

Dame Kelly Holmes said:

"It's fantastic to see how much these young people have achieved over the last year through the Unlocking Potential programme. I strongly believe that it can take just one person to change the course of a young person's life – just like my PE teacher, who identified my talent for running and believed in me. The young people here have had the support of their teachers and have been mentored by top athletes from my charity, helping them to flourish. I wish each and every one of them all the best for the future as they go on to be the best they can be."

Teachers can nominate students for the 2014 Unlocking Potential programme from 11 November 2013; the closing date for nominations is 17 January 2014.

See the successful Unlocking Potential students in our 2013 Celebration video.

Please take a look at the Unlocking Potentialpage for more updates and information on how to nominate a student.