Focus on your Community North Ayrshire | Page 2

focus on your community Nine Records Broken & a Silver Medal at Commonwealth Ayrshire College sports student Biatrice Gabell, 17 from Dalry, recently represented Scotland in the Commonwealth Youth Games held in Samoa and lifted a silver medal in the 53kg weightlifting contest. Biatrice took up weightlifting two years ago. She excelled in Samoa, finishing with a 56kg snatch and 73kg clean and jerk - which were personal best. In the process, Biatrice broke a staggering total of NINE Scottish records – three each from Youth, Junior and Under-18s levels. It was an incredible performance from Biatrice, originally from Mozambique, who said she was delighted with the opportunity. “It was amazing! Samoa was really nice, it reminded me of Scotland in the way the people were so bubbly, helpful and kind. I met a lot of new people from different countries and we gave each other badges which represented our countries.” Now that she has performed so well in the Commonwealth Youth Games, the attention now turns to another tournament… “ “Getting to the Commonwealth Games is the main aim,” Biatrice beamed. “My coach and I have spoken about starting to get me trained up for the Commonwealth Games. I would have to qualify and although we don’t know when the qualifier is, I’d like to start training for that now.” “I train four times a week - I have to do repetitions in order to build strength and there’s cardio in there as well.” When asked what she enjoys about weightlifting, Biatrice replied: You feel great when you get a personal best. Although you never feel truly satisfied with that, you always want to improve; everyone does. There’s a motivation to improve. It’s also fun, you get to meet a lot of great people. ” Sports facilities are available at Irvine and Kilmarnock Campuses Local Stories Former Student Builds Blue Kiwi Photography JAMES MCKINLAY, 34 FROM LARGS, RUNS WORKSHOPS FOR LOCALS AND HAS EXTENDED AN INVITATION TO CURRENT COLLEGE STUDENTS TO DROP INTO HIS STUDIO TO GAIN EXPERIENCE. The rising snapper was inspired to become a professional photographer after living in New Zealand and Australia for more than six years and noticing he always had a camera in his hand. James was working as a chef before his adventures on the other side of the world and when he returned to Scotland in 2010, but soon enrolled on the College’s photography course at the Kilwinning campus. He has never looked back. James said “Of course it was a gamble leaving my well paid job, but I didn’t want to be sitting here in 20 years’ time thinking ‘what if?’ It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My business is continually growing and I am always busy. RAISING ASPIRATIONS INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES INSPIRING ACHIEVEMENT “I believe it’s important for photography students to build up their reputation and promote their services. I’d advise any student photographer to get in touch with a professional and establish a business connection. “I really enjoy helping students out with certain things, they are more than welcome to come and get shown studio techniques in my Largs studio.” James maintains that he learnt ‘80%’ of what he knows from this NQ photography class at Ayrshire College. James said “We were taught everything in that class: still life, fashion, landscapes, editing, etc. By the end of it I had such a diverse portfolio, and so when I went to university I felt I was ahead of the game.” Apply now for photography courses starting August 2016 www.ayrshire.ac.uk