Young People Shine at Inspiring Sporting Leadership Event

Supported by volunteers from local Rotary clubs alongside staff and organisers, the event created opportunities for students to challenge themselves, work together, and develop new friendships in a positive and encouraging environment.

Throughout the day, students took part in team challenges, leadership activities, and sports sessions that encouraged cooperation, resilience, and communication. What stood out most was the way young people grew in confidence as the event progressed, with students supporting one another, stepping outside their comfort zones, and working together brilliantly as teams.

The event was organised by Angie Buckley, Barnsley School Games Organiser, Horizon Community College who was inspired by the impact of Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), who wanted to create similar opportunities locally so that more young people could experience the benefits of teamwork, leadership, and personal development.

Another worthy mention is this ongoing impact was seeing one of last year’s RYLA participants return to support the event as part of the media team, photographing the activities while continuing to develop a growing interest in photography at college. Her return highlighted how opportunities like these can help young people discover strengths, develop confidence, and inspire others coming behind them.

Rotary volunteers involved in the day praised the enthusiasm, kindness, humour, and determination shown by the students throughout the activities. The event also demonstrated the power of schools, community organisations, and volunteers working together to create positive opportunities for young people to thrive.

Organisers hope this will be the first of many similar events, giving even more young people the chance to develop skills, confidence, friendships, and leadership experiences that can have a lasting impact both inside and outside school.