CELTIC’S BEST SUMMER SIGNING

JAY BEATTY has signed for Celtic, in what is surely the best signing that the club will make this summer. The popular goalscorer, who unlike Kris Commons, James Forrest etc, never missed a penalty last season, was in the Celtic boardroom to sign on as an official ambassador for Celtic FC Foundation for season 2015/16.

Jay struck up a great friendship former Celt Georgios Samaras – who also missed a few penalties in his time at the club and is popular with players, officials and supporters. He is also a worldwide star having won the Goal of the Month for his effort at the Hamilton v Celtic match earlier this year. The keeper had no chance of stopping that shot!

Jay, who hails from Lurgan, has experienced first-hand Celtic FC Foundation’s growing Ability Counts programme and joined participants as a team mascot for last December’s SPFL home encounter with St Mirren.

In partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Celtic FC Foundation’s Ability Counts programme features weekly football coaching and dance elements designed to foster and promote inclusion, diversity and friendship between the children involved through a common goal and interest.

Celtic FC Foundation’s priority is to focus on the four key themes of improving health, promoting equality, encouraging learning and tackling poverty and we have a strong track record of delivering successful community-based projects.

In his role as official ambassador, Wee Jay will focus on promoting Celtic FC Foundation’s equality strand as well as acting as a champion and representative for children and young people with disabilities.

Talking about his new role as official ambassador, 11-year-old Bhoy said: “It’s going to be brilliant. I am going to work hard for the Foundation because I love Celtic. I’m going to make sure that I do all the Celtic fans proud.”

It is hoped Jay’s exuberance and enthusiasm will encourage participation and interest towards Celtic FC Foundation’s grass roots disability sports projects.

Additionally, Jay will act as a voice for Celtic FC Foundation’s fundraising campaigns as well as attending key events throughout the season including our annual Sporting Dinner and Celtic FC’s Player of the Year Awards ceremony.

Peter Lawwell, Celtic Chief Executive said: “The wonderful affinity between Jay and the Celtic support has been one of the truly inspiring stories of this season.

“I am sure he will be a wonderful ambassador for Celtic FC Foundation. I know everyone at the Club – and I am sure all our supporters – would like to wish him all the very best.”

Tony Hamilton, Celtic FC Foundation Chief Executive, commented: “Jay is one of many children with Down’s Syndrome or other disabilities who we want to help through our programmes such as Ability Counts and Inspiring Sport.

“I am delighted that he has signed on for the Foundation. He is a real inspiration to us and many other people and I’m looking forward to him joining our team for season 2015/16.”

Martin Beatty, Jay’s dad said: “Today is a very proud and emotional day for our family and we are honoured and humbled that Jay is an ambassador for Celtic FC Foundation. He really is a special Bhoy for a special club.”