The way I see it - with Steve Frew

The way I see it – by Sky Sports Living for Sport Athlete Mentor and 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist in the men’s rings, Steve Frew.

I’m proud to say that Sky Sports Living for Sport has reached the Outer Hebrides!

Today I’m visiting two schools in Stornaway that have signed up to the project, which helps young people to develop new skills through sport.

As an Athlete Mentor it’s my job to help them to overcome any barriers they have in life so they can achieve their goals. It’s inspiring stuff – for them and me.

Sky Sports Living for Sport has come a long way since it was set up nine years ago.

The scheme erupted in popularity in 2011 and the stories of the 12 regional winners who took centre stage at last week’s Awards Ceremony at Wembley Stadium were truly exceptional.

It was a day they are unlikely to forget.

Sky Sports Living for Sport Ambassador Darren Campbell handed out the awards in front of an audience that included Jeremy Darroch, Baroness Sue Campbell and Olympic hopefuls like long jumper JJ Jegede and judo’s Tom Davis.

The ceremony really brought the individual stories to life; many of the youngsters used to lack self-confidence but the scheme has helped them achieve things they never believed possible.

National winner Nick Wood is just one example. The 17-year-old was heading off the rails before Athlete Mentor Dermot Gascoyne visited his school and spotted his boxing potential.

The sport has helped to transform Nick’s life; he now has goals in life and even trains other kids. He wants to fight at amateur level and perhaps even turn pro one day.

Having his achievement recognised at Wembley will have a life-long impact on his life and I hope that the same is true of all the regional winners.

To see it all come together on the day made me realise I am part of something incredible.

I only get to meet up with my fellow Athlete Mentors a couple of times a year because we work in different regions but I know I’m part of a great team.

I’m proud of what we do but the real unsung heroes are the teachers. There is now a Sky Sports Living for Sport Teacher of the Year Award which is great because they are the people who make a difference day in, day out.

Sky Sports Living for Sport has a massive role to play in 2012; the Olympic Games will hopefully inspire many people to take up new sports but it is schemes like ours that will help to keep that passion burning.

I found out how fantastic it is to perform in front of a home crowd at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and I’m sure the same will be the case in London.

Great Britain has some genuine medal prospects – Louis Smith, Dan Keatings, Beth Tweddle and Daniel Purvis to name a few.

It will be great if they fulfil their dreams and inspire a new generation too.

Find out more about Steve by visiting his Athlete Mentor page