Jake’s a role model now

Positive: Teenager who had ASBO revoked is to be Ambassador.

At the beginning of the year, Jake Warburton-Jones was hit with an Asbo – but after turning his life around, he has been announced as an Ambassador for the Special Olympics.

The 17 year old became only the second person in Leicester to have the order wiped out, following months of hard work trying to improve relationships between teenagers and pensioners on the Thurnby Lodge estate.

After reading Jake’s story in the Leicester Mercury, Special Olympics Director, Steve Humphries decided he would be a perfect role model to help promote the games, which are being held in Leicester in 2009.

The teenager joins some of Leicester’s most famous sports stars, including Gary Lineker, Martin Johnson, Mark Selby and Milan Mandaric, to act as a spokesman for the event.

Jake said he was ‘really pleased’ his efforts since receiving the Asbo had paid off.

He said ‘I got a letter asking if I wanted to do it, so I said yes. I’m really pleased, although I’m not sure exactly what I’ll be doing yet. It’s good that all the stuff I’ve done has been recognised so I’m pleased. My mum’s really pleased as well’.

Jake was given an Asbo in January, after intimidating residents and shop workers in Thurncourt Road.

Since then, he has been determined to change his life for the better, and recently organised a trip to Skegness for more than 50 pensioners and youngsters living in Thurnby Lodge.

Again, when his story was told in the Mercury, anti-social workers discovered the positive impact the teenager was making on the community, and his order was removed.

Mr Humphries said Jake is a positive role model for other teenagers.

He said: with the Games we really want to reach out to all communities, people from all walks of life, and we need people to spread the word about what is happening. Jake is a perfect example of a young person who is really making a difference, and that is being recognised. I saw his story and I was blown away – I thought it was fantastic’.

Article from Leicester Mercury 19th July 2009 – Written by Gemma Peplow

Ed: For more on the volunteering opportunities during the Special Olympics see Citizens Eye