Olympic gold medal cyclists to become mentors for their sport

Research has shown that mentors can be as influential in a child's success as their teachers. The work commissioned by Disney to mark the launch of its 'Aim High' mentoring programme suggests mentors create a more intimate and trusting environment for kids to learn.

The scheme being launched today has enlisted Laura Trott and Jason Kenny, both Olympic gold medallists as mentors for young cyclists aged 7-14. Laura says her hero and mentor is Sir Bradley Wiggins, she says meeting him and working with him at a young age inspired her to get out there and get on her bike. Jason who was mentored by Jason Queally said "He'd been there and seen it. He'd actually lived my dream, so he could answer my questions and give me the advice I needed to get to where I wanted to be quickly."

The mentor scheme Disney's Aim High is intended to inspire children around the country to strive for success and reach for their goals. The scheme is in its 3rd year and is for 7-14 year olds. Geoff Beattie, Professor of Psychology at Edge Hill University who carried out the research says

The mentorship is launched today and you can find out more by clicking Disney's Aim High programme - they say it's about making the impossible possible and encouraging children to be the best they can be.