Falkirk’s Future Stars and Active Schools celebrated success this week with the award of the Inspire Mark by former Olympic, Commonwealth, European and World champion triple jumper Jonathan Edwards in Edinburgh.  

Pupils with an exceptional talent in Athletics from St Mungo’s High, Falkirk High, Graeme High and Larbert High met with the ex-Olympian as part of the days’ events.

Jonathan was joined by Commonwealth Games and Sport Minister Shona Robison, and Sir Craig Reedie of the International Olympic Committee in recognising the outstanding work by the 94 projects awarded 2012 Inspire Mark in Scotland.

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Jonathan Edwards said: “With us now on the final stretch towards The Games, it is great to see the energy and enthusiasm amongst the people of Scotland, especially in projects like Falkirk Future Stars that have been awarded the Inspire mark. This will undoubtedly leave a strong foundation on which Glasgow 2014 can build and help leave a lasting legacy for Scotland.”  

Ms Robison said: “As well as delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games in 2014 we as a government are determined to leave a lasting legacy from both the 2012 and 2014 Games. Programmes such as Inspire will do just this, ensuring everyone right across Scotland has the opportunity to be part of this exciting journey and I congratulate all of those who have been recognised with this award.”

Chairman of Falkirk Community Trust Ian Scott said “We are delighted to see our programmes recognised by London 2012 and we are extremely proud to deliver projects that will inspire and motivate more pupils to get active and take part in sport.”

Going for Gold is an accreditation initiative aimed at encouraging all Falkirk primary school pupils to lead healthy and active lifestyles by using the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire them. Launching the week beginning Monday 9th January 2012, schools will have 20 weeks (excluding the Easter Holiday) to achieve the 12 fantastic Olympic and Paralympic themed outcomes to achieve gold!

The Falkirk Future Stars project seeks to utilise the many elite level athletes currently at school in the 8 high schools in the Falkirk Council area for the purpose of inspiring primary school pupils towards a healthier and active future.