Express & Star

Walsall's Ellie is Scout Ambassador

Swimming sensation Ellie Simmonds will be helping young people go for gold in her new role as a Scout Ambassador.

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Ellie with Scouts

The gold medal winning Paralympian from Aldridge will raise awareness of Scouting’s work to help young people develop skills for life alongside four other ambassadors.

Her fellow new ambassadors include Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover, TV presenters Anita Rani and Steve Backshall, and adventurer Megan Hine.

They join current Scout Ambassadors, including Chris Evans, Ed Stafford and Julia Bradbury, as positive role models for young people.

Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, was proud to welcome the five ambassadors to the Scouting family.

He said : "Like our other volunteers and supporters, they are incredible role models for young people, embodying our values and inspiring the next generation.

"Each of them brings their own unique skills and talents and I know will help shine a light on Scouting’s amazing work. Thank you to each and every one."

The five ambassadors will be encouraging more adults to join as volunteers. As testament to Scouting’s popularity, there are over 46,000 young people on waiting lists around the country, meaning more volunteers than ever are needed to help with the demand and give young people the opportunity to join the Scout Movement.

Tim Kidd, UK chief commissioner for Scouts, said that he hoped the ambassadors would inspire the volunteers and young people of the future. "Along with our current ambassadors and volunteers, I know they will champion our Scout values and support us in growing the Movement, helping more young people develop skills for life," Tim said.

"As flexible volunteers themselves, they show how supporting Scouting can fit around busy lives. I wish Ellie, Anita, Megan, Helen and Steve well on their new journey and look forward to working with them."