[0762]

Good comments and I'd also emphasise that one's alma mater is important in engendering a certain discipline and commitment to achieve something 'special' at a fairly young age. Effectively facilitating multi sports is massive in potentially creating the proper conditions that will nurture young sports enthusiasts. Parents, and possibly even grand parents or dedicated relatives, do indeed play a big part in guiding a talented child in the right direction but there are other 'role models' who I regard as invaluable and important during that journey towards notable success in sport. Many of these people/role models are located within a very good educational system/in reputable schools but they are not available 'across the board'! Hence the modern term of a 'postcode lottery' when it comes to finding a great school that can nurture a talented child in either intellect, sporting achievement or possibly both attributes and we've discovered that some ambitious parents would almost 'kill' to gain that opportunity for their offspring. Fraudulent access is another ploy that is occasionally used! I'm sure there are many kids in Scotland who are lost to an educational system that is not as good as it should be in an 'all round sense'! However, the Scottish govt, and particularly Nicola Sturgeon, recognises the imbalance and is at least trying to redress this problem of privilege v the provision of a good all round education for all our kids and not just for the privileged 'few' who are indeed reaping certain benefits (incl eventual plum job opps!) that are made available to them compared with lesser privileged youngsters. I'd also add that athletics, cycling and swimming are not 'expensive sports' compared with certain other ones and a good proportion of the 700+ participants covered these sports.