Kids need "kick up the backside" By DANIEL SANDERSON Published on Monday 18 June 2012 12:43 ONE of the Capital's greatest sporting icons has said he hopes this summer's Olympics give the "empty" youth of today a "kick up the backside." Allan Wells MBE, who won 100 metres gold at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, was speaking following a visit to Meadowbank Stadium - a stepping stone on his road to stardom - and also said too many Scots live in a "comfort zone." He unveiled a commemorative plaque to the coaching and encouragement he received from Edinburgh volunteers, and spoke out in an attempt to encourage the Capital's youngsters to follow in his footsteps. Mr Wells, who also won silver in the 200 metres at Moscow and is a four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, said: "They say that the British are the most obese in Europe. I think people live in the comfort zone too much in Scotland. Athletics might not be the coolest because it's committed, physical and people don't like sweating. But it's for people who want to test themselves. It's all about commitment, inspiration, stimulation. I look at kids nowadays and it just seems they don't know where they are going. "They seem empty inside and I am saying, "where is the stimulation?" In some ways these Olympics gives youngsters a chance - it can be a catalyst for them. It would be stupid to miss the opportunity. It's about giving them assistance - you could call it a kick up the backside. Kids can be a bit naive in some respects, and it's a problem that sport is competing with so many social things. But when they see an Olympic gold medal in London it might make them sit up and think it's worth a go. Mr Wells played sport in the Boys" Brigade before joining the Edinburgh Southern Harriers, which has since become the Edinburgh Athletics Club. The club has produced 15 Olympians, including two gold medallists, in the past century. And Mr Wells has lent his support to the Join in Local Sport initiative, which has been backed by Olympic chiefs. It aims to use the excitement surrounding the Olympics to encourage more children and volunteers to become involved in sport. Mr Wells, 60, who also participated in the 1984 Los Angeles games and is recognised as Scotland's greatest ever sprinter, went to primary school in Fairmilehead before moving to Liberton High School. He has spent the week in his native Scotland after travelling from his home in Surrey to take part in the Olympic torch events. He said: "We've an opportunity to help them get involved, focus and optimise their abilities. It gives them the chance to see what their potential is and if kids come along maybe coaches will see something and direct them into an area where they can excel. I wanted to win so much but I do believe that seed can be grown in youngsters. I think it is down to the coaches and the support the coaches get. What happens in London can have a big bearing. It's a way of striking while the iron is hot. Mr Wells himself was a long jumper before he took up sprinting at the age of 24. Speaking about his memories of the Moscow Olympics, he said: "Standing on the rostrum and receiving the gold medal was an iconic moment for me, and I can look at that medal whenever I want. I'm quite humbled by what I achieved in my career, and it's nice that people still recognise it. "Hopefully we'll see a few aspiring Allan Wells in a few years" time." Scottish Athletics has also organised programmes to tie in with this year's Olympics as well as the 2014 Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Glasgow. The organisation has a regional development team in place and part-time officers at 17 clubs in Scotland. A Scottish Athletics spokesperson said: "We seek to play a role in the growth of the sport in this country - through greater participation and better performances at the elite end. We naturally want to feed off any increased public interest in athletics. We have a policy which actively encourages clubs to create events around the Olympics. Allan Wells has been involved with us, too, and we know he feels strongly about the alternative attractions and distractions for youngsters. In Scotland we do love watching global sporting events on TV, but it would be great if more people moved off the sofa. The Join in Local Sport weekend takes place on August 18 and 19. People will be offered the chance to participate in and volunteer at local sports clubs across the UK. A world of fat for Scottish children While there is no international definition of what constitutes being overweight or obese in childhood - and what measures as a healthy BMI changes depending on age and gender - there's no denying Scotland does not fare well in the worldwide childhood obesity stakes. A 2010 survey by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development found Scotland tied with the United States in childhood obesity levels, both coming in at 35 per cent. This month a Freedom of Information request to the Scottish Government revealed that 17 per cent of Scottish 2-5 year olds are obese - 20 per cent of boys and 10 per cent of girls. In the same age group, 35 per cent of boys and 20 per cent of girls were classed as overweight. ANALYSIS: Graeme Gardiner, Edinburgh Leisure's director of operations The Olympic Games is a fantastic platform for inspiring young people to get involved in new sports and create pathways to participation. We are running a host of activities and events throughout the summer to create a lasting legacy. We hope to welcome the next generation of young athletes and sportspeople through the doors of our facilities for many years to come. In the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games, Edinburgh Leisure is running a variety of Olympic- themed holiday camps, gym challenges and events, allowing children and young people to try out new sports and become more active. Our first event, The Edinburgh Leisure Games, takes place this Friday, June 22 at Festival Square, where children from primary 1 to senior 6 can take part in a variety of Olympic sports. Additionally Edinburgh Leisure is sending 16 of their young ambassadors to the seated volleyball at the Paralympics this year where they will be the only young volunteers from Scotland.