Young people paint mural of Olympian Jessica Ennis

A mural of British Olympian Jessica Ennis is set to inspire visitors to a youth club.

The picture of the Sheffield-born heptathlete, a London 2012 Olympic gold medalist, has been painted on a wall at New Parks club for young people in Leicester, along with the word 'strive'.

The mural project was funded jointly by Catch22 Positive Futures and Leicestershire Clubs for Young People.

The idea behind the project was to give young people the chance to practice the art form of graffiti in a safe environment and for the young people to be given ownership of the club.

Specialist graffiti and artwork organisation Urban Canvas provided several workshops which culminated in the large mural on the exterior of the building.

Project Coordinator Marvin Wright says:

‘It is hoped that the word that accompanies the picture of Jessica Ennis will help people living in the area to be inspired to achieve their goals.’

Steve White, Chairman of the School Development Support Agency who also helped organise the project, says:

‘We hope this will be seen as a staging post for sport in the community and the start of legacy building in Leicester.’

Find out more about Catch22's crime prevention programme Positive Futures.