PRESS RELEASE: How Currie and Balerno youngsters are being inspired by the Olympic Legacy

The wonderful spectacles of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games have left a lasting impression across the UK, not least among the youngsters who have turned to sport in the North and West of Edinburgh and surrounding Midlothian areas.

Local sports coach Alister Ramm told the Currie and Balerno News that he had experienced a significant surge in interest among local youngsters in a wide variety of sports following the stunning successes of Team GB.

Alister, who is a co-founder of UK-wide coaching business A-Star Sports, said: “There is no doubt that the Games have had a really positive effect on the country as a whole and have dispelled a lot of the cynicism that we have become used to.”

Alister, 53, a former fireman, has personally experienced sports at the highest levels, competing in international swimming and water polo events in countries such as Israel, Norway, Denmark and Germany.

He has been running taster sessions over the summer at Balerno High School and helped out at the Edinburgh Ballet School Fair in Juniper Green. He has also held classes at Ratho Primary School and currently runs classes in both Juniper Green and Balerno.

A-Star Sports offers coaching in 10 different disciplines (basketball, cricket, dodgeball, football, handball, hockey, rounders, rugby, tennis and volleyball), as well as activities designed to encourage the fundamentals including running, jumping and catching skills for younger children.

Alister said: “The Games have allowed local youngsters to see that sport can be exciting, challenging and fun. The Paralympics, particularly, have reinforced the strength of spirit which allows people to triumph over really severe disabilities.

“Many of the children who attend our classes are taking their interest further, with some going on to join Currie Rugby Club. Many of them are signing up for local football teams and other youngsters are taking a keen interest in sports such as hockey and basketball.”

For further information, contact Alister Ramm at A-Star Sports. T: 0845 459 2210 W: www.a-starsports.co.uk.