The event, hosted by Sky Sports News presenters John Paul Davies and Vicky Gomersall, gave awards to 12 students and three teachers from across the nation that had significantly contributed to the nationwide scheme, which is set to be rolled out to Ireland next year.

"It's been incredible to see how the programme has developed over the years", said Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch.

"We want to make the scheme bigger and better and keep building on it in the years ahead."

The teacher-led scheme is now being run by a third of secondary schools in the UK which will see 30,000 students involved this academic year, offering incentives such as visits from mentors and involvement in different sports to all schools in the country.

Athens 2004 4x100 metres relay gold medalist Darren Campbell, who has also served as an athlete mentor, said: "In my role as Ambassador I have seen firsthand how much of an impact Sky Sports Living for Sport is having on young people throughout the UK."

"It's great to hear how pupils' attitudes towards both sport and education have shifted and
to see how teachers are helping them to practice the skills that they have learnt which will help them to succeed in the future."

The scheme has reached students from all walks of life, particularly those that have had behavioural issues or learning difficulties, attempting to enrich their lives through sport and encourage them to succeed in life.

Sky Sports Living for Sport ambassadors Darren Campbell and Jessica Ennis presented awards to Teacher of the Year Lesley Reynolds and Student of the Year Wayne Instrell








Outgoing Head of UK Sport and ambassador for the Living for Sport scheme Baroness Sue Campbell told insidethegames of the effect that the Sky Sports Living for Sport scheme has had on grass-roots sport in the country.

"I think it's having a huge impact" she said

"The scheme is really showing that sport can be used as a tool to change people's lives"

Baroness Campbell confirmed that plans have been made for the planned expansion of the programme to Ireland.

"We've agreed a plan," she said

"We've been out to meet with the Irish Sports Council just to make sure they're on board, and yes, we will be implementing the programme in Ireland."

Wayne Instrell, 16, of Bedford Academy earned a standing ovation as he accepted his award for Student of the Year and Lesley Reynolds of Brockington College was awarded the Teacher of the Year award for her dedication to the scheme. 

The Student of the Year will receive a £100 ($150/€115) sports voucher and his school will receive an extra visit from an Athlete Mentor and £2,000 ($3,000/€2,300) toward his school's next Sky Sports Living for Sport project.

The Teacher of the Year and the two runner-ups will receive £2,000 and £1,000 ($1500/€1150) respectively towards their school's next Sky Sports Living for Sport project, as well as a year's free Sky Sports subscription, a trophy and certificate.

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