A Midlothian pupil is the only Scottish finalist in a UK competition for students who have been inspired “to be the best they can be” through sport.

Conor Fitzpatrick, an S6 pupil at Newbattle Community High in Dalkeith, lacked confidence when he started secondary and would frequently skip classes rather than have to speak up in lessons. But since he discovered basketball in S3, he has gone from strength to strength.

Bob Foley, principal teacher of PE, said sport had transformed Conor: “He plays basketball every day now and in sport and recreation in S5, he taught every sport from football to line-dancing to S2 and primary pupils. He runs the S3 basketball academy and coaches the S2 girls in our `peak performance School of Ambition’ project.”

The Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year awards encourage schools across the UK to nominate pupils who have developed skills such as confidence, respect, and a sense of achievement through their involvement in sport.

Conor and Mr Foley will attend the national awards ceremony at Lord’s Cricket Ground on November 30, 2010.

www.skysports.comlivingforsport.