A TEENAGE Inverclyde sports star says it is a ‘huge privilege’ to be named the youngest ever chieftain of Gourock Highland Games.

Champion boxer Rhys McCole, who is from Greenock, will preside over the 62nd annual event in Battery Park on Sunday May 13.

The 16-year-old suffers from a total of six disabilities, including a heart condition, severe asthma and Asperger’s, but defied all odds to realise his dream of competing in the ring and last year won three gold medals in the space of five weeks.

Inverclyde Council bosses have chosen the Notre Dame High pupil as chieftain in recognition of his incredible achievements and to tie in with the Year of the Young People 2018, which Rhys is an ambassador for.

Rhys said: “I want to say thank-you to all the people who have made this possible.

“It’s a great privilege and something I will cherish forever.

“It is a great opportunity to promote the young people of Inverclyde and the Year of Young People.

“I’m greatly honoured and looking forward to a great day - hopefully with good weather.”

Rhys is also a member of Sportscotland and Young Scot’s Young People’s Sports Panel and was last week crowned Inverclyde Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

He represents the area at events across the country and recently met Prince Harry, his fiancee Meghan Markle and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a reception in Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.

The Gourock showpiece marks the start of the Scottish Highland Games season and will feature pipe band contests, traditional Highland games, heavyweight events, the West of Scotland Highland Dance Championships and mini-Highland games involving local school children.

Provost Martin Brennan says it is fitting that Greenock Boxing Club star Rhys will be chieftain.

Mr Brennan said: “All of his achievements are significant in themselves but are even more remarkable given that Rhys lives with not one, but six disabilities.

“His drive, ambition and determination to succeed make him a wonderful choice for chieftain in this Year of Young People and a perfect example to all of what can be achieved despite the difficulties life can present.

“The games in May are just one opportunity for us to celebrate our young people and there has been a lot of work — by young people themselves — to come up with a programme of events and activities to showcase their talents and opinions.”

The games will also feature fairground rides, children’s activities, entertainment and a wide range of food and community stalls for people of all ages.

Entry is free and the games will run from noon until around 5.30pm, when the Chieftain’s march past is scheduled to take place.