Britain’s Prince Harry praises graduates

OHMYGOSSIP — Britain’s Prince Harry celebrated young graduates of the Royal Foundation’s Coach Core programme at St James’s Palace  (14.01.15) alongside NBA players Dikembe Mutombo and Carmelo Anthony.

The 30-year-old royal attended St James’s Palace for a graduation event for young people who have taken part in the Coach Core programme, which aims to train sports coaches for work within their communities.

Speaking at the event, he said: “It gives me great pleasure to be here today to congratulate the first cohort of coach core graduates.

“When my brother, Catherine and I launched the Coach Core programme back in 2012, we had a vision of young people being inspired to become amazing sports coaches for their communities and beyond: Young people, who would in turn, inspire others to change their lives through sport.”

The royal – who is the son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana – also praised those who had supported the 33 students through the programme, which was founded by the Royal Foundation.

He continued: “All those graduating today have also worked fantastically hard in getting to this point. Completing the Coach Core programme has, I know, not been easy – but then trying to be the best you can be, isn’t easy.

“Today’s graduation marks a success for all those involved – graduates, coaches, mentors, friends, family and all those who have supported the programme so generously.”

The ceremony was also attended by NBA players Dikembe Mutombo and Carmelo Anthony, with the latter presenting Harry with the gift of a basketball shirt and size 15 basketball shoes.