The Queen’s baton visited Downing Street on Sunday, carried by young cycling volunteer Molly Pattison from Devon and Olympic boxer Nicola Adams.
Molly, 16, was invited to carry the Queen’s Baton by the Prime Minister, who recently awarded the young volunteer with the new Points of Light award for her efforts towards developing cycling in her area.
Accompanied by her family and BMX race team, Molly attended a garden party at Number 10, before running down Downing Street with the Queen’s Baton and passing it on to Olympic gold medallist boxer, Nicola Adams.
Prime Minister, David Cameron, said: “Molly and Nicola are both true sporting heroes - their sheer dedication and the huge inspiration they have provided for others to participate in sport is extraordinary. The baton relay gives the whole country and Commonwealth the chance to share in the excitement of the countdown to Glasgow 2014.”
Molly was awarded with this opportunity due to the countless hours, commitment and hard work that she puts into developing the sport of BMX and providing opportunities for young people to improve their cycling skills.
British Cycling’s chief executive officer, Ian Drake, said: “Grassroots sport is fundamentally supported by dependable, dedicated volunteers like Molly, whose efforts are essential to the growth of the sport and the health of cycling as a whole.
“To receive recognition from the Prime Minister is an incredible achievement, especially at such a young age. It is testament to the unfaltering hard work and determination that Molly has displayed and we are all extremely proud of what she has achieved.”
“The future of cycling is dependent on these young volunteers and with leaders like Molly driving the sport forward, we are confident the sport is in safe hands with the next generation.”
During her visit, Molly was also treated to a tour of 10 Downing Street and an interview with the Prime Minister and Nicola Adams. She was joined by British Cycling’s Kelly Burdett, who has supported Molly’s efforts to get into volunteering.
Molly Pattison said: “I’m honoured to be a baton bearer. It’s a great privilege and I’d be pleased if my story helps people discover a sport.
“British Cycling has really helped me, and the opportunities that they have opened up for me to develop myself as a volunteer and as a person have been phenomenal. The most important thing for me is that it has helped to build my confidence. People do take me seriously; I’m listened to, my voice is heard, and my suggestions are taken on board.”
Molly joined Tiverton BMX Go-Ride club a couple of years ago and got stuck into racing. However, at the beginning of last year, Molly fell ill and was no longer able to ride her bike.
Not to be deterred, Molly got involved with British Cycling’s Cycling Award for Young Volunteers and helped out with all aspects of the club. At just 15 years of age, she then started her own BMX team – BMX Revolution - securing funds from sponsors to cover the team’s running costs. Molly now has more than 20 riders from all over the South West decked out with printed kits, ready to race.
On her 16th birthday, Molly started on the coaching pathway by attending a Level 1 Award in Coaching Cycling course.
Find out more about British Cycling’s coaching qualifications.
Find out more about the Go-Ride programme for young people.
