Coping with severe dyslexia coupled with several physical issues left one year 12 student struggling with his confidence and self-esteem. Through the Sky Academy initiative, Sky Sports Living for Sport, which was set up in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, Rory Doherty found his confidence both in school and beyond. Here alongside his teacher Padraig O’Kane and athlete mentor Michael McKillop, the Paralympic gold medallist who helped turn his life around, he talks about his experience.
Student perspective: Rory Doherty, St Pius X College, Northern Ireland
The transition from primary to secondary school can often be a tough awakening for any student, but for Rory Doherty, this challenge was amplified, coming from a small primary school and having learning and physical difficulties.
Rory has severe dyslexia and often struggled when socially interacting with others. In addition to his learning difficulties, he has also been diagnosed with weak shoulder girdles and muscles around his pelvis meaning he faced a number of physical challenges too.
All of this had a big impact on Rory’s self-esteem and confidence within college.
But a turning point came when he was selected to take part in the Sky Sports Living for Sport kickboxing project at his school. This included visits from Sky Sports Living for Sport athlete mentor and Paralympic gold medallist, Michael McKillop.
Rory explained: “The advice and guidance Michael offered me was really great, especially when I realised there were many similarities in our life stories. Michael also suffered from dyslexia and to see what he had achieved and how he hadn’t let his difficulties hold him back really inspired me to work harder and helped build my confidence. I feel very proud of what I have achieved and glad that Sky Sports Living for Sport helped me overcome many challenges in my life.”
Athlete mentor perspective: Michael McKillop, Paralympic gold middle distance runner
“It’s been a pleasure to work on this programme. I’m incredibly proud of all of the students I’ve worked with across the UK, but seeing the difference it has made to Rory’s confidence, and in turn his whole life, was a highlight and really shows the value of this work.
“I was first approached by the Youth Sport Trust to become an athlete mentor for Sky Sports Living for Sport back in 2013. The charity has been working in partnership with Sky since 2003, linking secondary school teachers and their students with a dedicated team of more than 100 world-class athlete mentors. The programme is also endorsed by a host of inspirational Sky Academy ambassadors including Jessica Ennis-Hill and Thierry Henry. I’d recently taken part in the London 2012 Paralympics, winning two gold medals, and was keen to continue the games’ legacy and to help the next generation through the power of sport.
“When I learned more about the free Sky Academy initiative I felt compelled to get involved. The programme isn’t about finding the next sporting superstar, but using the power of sport to change behaviours, build practical skills and increase academic attainment, whatever your students’ athletic ability.
“I know teachers have to manage a tremendous workload so taking on additional projects can seem daunting, but with 98% of lead teachers involved in this programme saying their projects were successful, plus impressive measurable improvements in self-confidence, engagement in learning, and behaviour , the statistics speak for themselves.”
Teacher perspective: Padraig O’Kane, St Pius X College, Northern Ireland
“I was keen to include Rory in my kickboxing project as he is the perfect example of why I got involved in Sky Sports Living for Sport. Learning a new sport, as well as a number of valuable life skills, has really improved his confidence, helping Rory apply himself to his studies and interact with others. He has since gone on to join the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA) club in order to pursue his interest in the sport and has engaged more in extracurricular activities in the college as a result.
“I genuinely believe that any teacher taking part in Sky Sports Living for Sport would find the programme worthwhile. I would definitely recommend getting involved to my colleagues across the UK and Ireland because it is a magical experience for your students and Rory’s story highlights the real difference it can make.”
Rory went on to win Sky Sports Living for Sport student of the year 2014-15, which was announced by Sky Academy ambassador and Rugby champion Jonny Wilkinson, who said: “I have been fortunate to make a career out of my passion, but sport is so much bigger than that. It can change people’s lives forever. Now Rory has the tools to go on and be the best that he can be.”
Get your school involved
We’re now looking towards this year’s awards and the search for some brand new students of the year across the UK and Ireland. Ali Oliver, Youth Sport Trust chief executive, values the awards because they recognise the role physical education (PE) and sport has in building a brighter future for young people. “Sky Sports Living for Sport benefits more than 100,000 students each year and the awards are a great way of celebrating the most inspirational transformations. Following our previous winners and seeing what they’ve achieved fills me with real pride.”
Nominations for this year’s Sky Sports Living for Sport student of the year are now open. If you took part in the programme during the last academic year nominate a student now.
New to Sky Sports Living for Sport? The programme is open to all secondary schools in the UK and Ireland. Every school will receive two athlete mentor visits, in which they will share their inspiring stories of success and support you to deliver your project. You can sign up your secondary school for free here.
Sky Sports Living for Sport is part of Sky Academy – a set of initiatives using the power of TV, creativity and sport to help one million young people in the UK and Ireland build practical skills and experience to unlock their potential. To find out more follow this link.
Alongside his work as an athlete mentor, Michael McKillop is currently training for Rio 2016 and hopes to qualify for the games over the coming months.
Content on this page is provided and funded by the Youth Sport Trust, supporter of the PE and school sport series on the Guardian Teacher Network.
