Britain's golden girl of athletics and Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador, Jessica Ennis, has provided key mentoring at a workshop for the Academy's Rising Stars held in Leeds.

Among those benefitting from Jessica's guidance was Emelia Gorecka, a 17 year‑old middle / long distance runner from Surrey.  Emelia is the current 3,000m Commonwealth Youth Games Champion and is on course to become an elite athlete.  

During their mentoring session, Jessica discussed in detail the world of competitive sport, passing on valuable track specific guidance and advice to Emelia, focusing on how to progress from talented junior level to an elite senior athlete.

Emelia Gorecka, commented: 'It's been really inspiring, I've enjoyed working with Jessica and I've picked up some great tips that I'm looking forward to putting into action. To be able to chat to and learn from one of my heroes who is competing at the level I aspire to is amazing.  I just hope one day I can be as successful as her.'

Jessica Ennis, Jaguar Academy of Sport Ambassador, commented: 'I'm honoured to be able to work so closely with the sporting stars of tomorrow. The Mentoring and Education Programme that the Jaguar Academy of Sport provides its Rising Stars is unique and so important. I believe one of the best ways to inspire our next generation of sporting talent is by passing on the experiences of the people who have been there and I just wish schemes like this were available when I was starting out.'

Jessica was able to pass on some of her knowledge accumulated over her successful and growing sporting career, helping to inspire a new generation of sporting stars.

She started her athletics journey by attending an athletics camp, where former heptathlete, Nicola Minichiello and her current coach, Toni Minichiello, spotted her talent.  Her support network included her coach and her dedicated parents, but she did not have access to programmes like the Jaguar Academy of Sport, and so understands how valuable this support is to Britain's talented future stars.

The Jaguar Academy of Sport aims to recognise, celebrate and inspire the very best of British sporting talent and success. This is fulfilled through a Bursary Fund and a unique Mentoring and Education Programme delivered through a series of workshops and talent days. Mentoring is key to the Academy and provides all the Rising Stars with the non‑financial support they need in order to be successful and workshops like today, mean our Rising Stars are able to work with Britain's sporting greats and ultimately their heroes who they aspire to be. 

(ENDS)

Claire Boakes                                   
Press Officer                          
Jaguar Academy of Sport      
T: 01926 649447                                
M: 07557 846883                   
E: cboakes@jaguar.com

Notes to Editors

Website:www.jaguaracademyofsport.co.uk

How to become a rising star

To be eligible for the Jaguar Academy of Sport Bursary Fund, the young athlete, both able‑bodied and those with a disability, should be nominated to SportsAid for financial support by their sports own national governing body (NGB). This ensures the Jaguar Academy of Sport helps to support the right athletes, at the right time, in the right way.

Who are the Members, Patrols and Ambassadors

Members include A P Mccoy, Andrew Flintoff, Gareth Southgate, Olly Barclay and Mo Farah to name but a few are amongst the leading sports personalities who are dedicated to helping young people emulate their success through the Academy.

Patrons; including  David Beckham OBE, Sir Ian Botham, Sir Steve Redgrave, Gareth Edwards and Dame Kelly Holmes, our list reads like a 'who's who' of British sporting Legends. Now they are working together, united in one goal; to nurture the next generation of British sporting greats.

Ambassadors; a selection of Olympic gold medal winning athletes, European Champions League winning footballers, Ashes legends and golfing greats.