Unicef Unveiled As 2014 Partners

Olympic boxing champion Nicola Adams has encouraged youngsters to fulfil their potential during a school visit ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

Adams, 30, became the first woman to win an Olympic boxing gold medal at the London Games and said she hopes to inspire others ``to be the best they can be''. 

The boxer met pupils at Swinton primary in Glasgow`s east end at the launch of a collaboration between the 2014 Games and international children`s charity Unicef. 

She said: ``This is a fantastic collaboration which will reach out to every child in Scotland and much further afield. 

``I believe that every child has the right to reach their full potential and to be the best they can be, and it was great to be able to tell the children my story and how I fulfilled my own potential. 

``Hopefully there will be some inspirational messages they can take from that but I know I have definitely been inspired by the young people I have met here today.'' 

Almost 50% of people living in Commonwealth countries are under the age of 25. 

The partnership aims to raise money for Unicef's work promoting the rights of every child to healthcare, water, nutrition, education and protection. 

Football star David Beckham and actor Ewan McGregor have praised the plans to put children at the heart of the Commonwealth Games legacy. 

McGregor, a Unicef ambassador, said: ``There are so many aspects of the Games that I'm in no doubt will leave a significant legacy. 

``The Unicef partnership will benefit disadvantaged children around the world. 

``This partnership opens the door to helping transform children's lives, both in my own country of Scotland and in other Commonwealth nations across the world. ``That's a hugely exciting prospect that everyone should be proud of.'' 

Beckham, a fellow goodwill ambassador for the charity, said: ``Through the power of sport you can achieve so much, and this great partnership will be no different.''