A DETERMINED young Greenock skating star has pledged to fight for the rights of young women and disabled people in her new high profile role.

Kara Best, 17, is one of just 20 young people across the country to be selected for sportscotland's Young People's Sport Panel.

In her role, Kara will influence decision-making and promote change where it's needed by expressing her views on the Scottish sporting system.

Kara, who is sports ambassador at Notre Dame High School, says she wants to be a strong voice for girls, and for people of differing abilities.

She added: "I've watched so many girls drop out of sport through lack of confidence or fear of being judged.

"I want to find ways to help them and inspire them to keep going.

"There shouldn't be any barriers in sport and there should be equal opportunities for everyone.

"I want to help disabled people access sport across Scotland and make sport as inclusive as possible."

Kara was encouraged to apply for the Young People's Sport Panel by Gillian Hughes from Active Schools Inverclyde.

She then completed an online application detailing her background in sport and what she's achieved, and outlined what she will bring to the panel.

The teenager was then called for an interview and a face-to-face selection process.

A few weeks later, she found out she had been selected.

Kara started skating when she was five and has taken part in more than 20 competitions to date.

She told the Tele that the freedom she feels when she participates in sport cannot be beaten.

Kara added: "It's an escape from everything else and I love it.

"I enjoy the competitive side of it but I just love that feeling of being free and just skating.

"I can totally be myself."

Kara helps out in sports clubs and in the PE department at school and is also a qualified football coach.

In the summer, the super skater is off to Camp Danbee sports camp in Massachusetts and is hoping to be accepted onto a sports coaching and development course at Stirling or Edinburgh.

Kara is supported in her sporting endeavours by Gary Forbes at Inverclyde Active Schools and PE teacher Andy Armour at Notre Dame High School.

As a Young People's Sport Panel member, Kara will get the chance to go to major events and speak to prominent sporting figures.

Kara added: "I'm so grateful for such an amazing opportunity."

Kara's mum Loren said: "We're very proud of her.

"She's worked so hard and deserves all her success."