16 year old Jack Sharples of Illustrious Explorer Scout Unit in Lancaster (and previously 33rd Lancaster Sea Scouts), will carry the Olympic Torch on Saturday 23rd June 2012 in Warton, nr Lytham-St-Anne’s.
Jack’s dad Phil nominated him because of his commitment to sport and helping others to take part. His successful nomination read…
Since the age of 6, Jack has been competing in some kind of sport, Acro Gymnastics, Mountain biking, Fell running, Kayaking and Sailing. His commitment to sport is so high that after 9 years he still enjoys competing in Gymnastics which he now coaches. He discovered fell running by accident, but now competes regularly throughout the winter in the various local races including the 12 weeks of the Kendal Winter League. As a regular junior with Dallam Running Club he constantly encourages younger members to raise their limits. He recently ran as support for one of the club seniors over the final peak of the Yorkshire Three Peaks race.
Jack more recently discovered kayaking and sailing with his Sea Scout group and soon proved himself extremely competent to such anextent that, after only one year in the sport has seen him progress to training other cubs and scouts in both his group and other local groups. Last year saw him teaching sailing to young people on outdoor adventure camps in the Lake District and this year on the Royal Navy Sea Scout camp in Portsmouth.
Whilst Jack enjoys his chosen sports and will push himself hard he will always find time to offer help and guidance to others. His commitment to his sport is an encouragement to anyone, constantly juggling time to fit in everything, including school. Jack is very inspirational to others and at any of his sport venues you will often hear both youngsters and adults asking for Jack’s guidance, advice and support.
