Sporting role models in Trinidad and Tobago
Fifteen year old Sheriece is a pupil at El Dorado School in Trinidad. She lives on a large estate where young people are often involved in crime. Several young people have been killed in the car park outside the apartment she shares with her aunt and brother.
"She’s not had an easy life growing up", says Sheriece’s mother, who was concerned about her daughter growing up with gun and knife crime rife in her community.
Sheriece was selected to train as a young leader with International Inspiration, the legacy programme of the 2012 London Olympics, and she began assisting and planning sports events in the local community.
Before becoming involved in the programme Sheriece's future prospects were bleak; becoming a young leader has changed her outlook on life.
Sheriece, a young leader with International Inspiration in Trinidad and Tobago. © UNICEF 2011
"Being involved in International Inspiration has changed my perspective on a lot of things," she says. "Sometimes things are hard so it’s nice to be able to meet new people through sports, to have fun as a team and to get away from the negativity. Becoming a young leader has helped me feel like I am able to have a positive influence on others."
Delivered by UNICEF, British Council and UK Sport, International Inspiration is using sport to build connections between young people, developing leadership skills, self-respect, confidence and teamwork.