Council to fund future sports stars

With the Rio Olympic games underway and Paralympic Games about to start, Wiltshire Council, working in partnership with local businesses, is already looking to Toyko 2020 and beyond.

The Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Sports Scholarship grant, set up in 2014, has already helped support 18 budding stars of the future with grants of £500 each.

The grant scheme is now open to any Wiltshire athlete aged between eight and 18 who is competing in either a regional or national level in an Olympic/Paralympic sport or any sport recognised by Sport England. It is available to help to enhance training and competition opportunities, buy new equipment and help with travel costs.

Cabinet member for leisure at Wiltshire Council, Jonathon Seed, said: “As a father whose daughter is involved in competition at an international level I really understand the importance of funding in sport.

“It will make a significant contribution towards the cost of our talented young athletes buying equipment, and attending competitions, events and training camps. This continues our ambition of creating a lasting legacy of sporting success in the county.”

Biathlete and 2015 grant recipient Harriet Hillman said, “It was an honour to be recognised for my sporting performances. Receiving the Sports Scholarship has been a great motivation. The financial support has helped me to continue to develop in my sport and to go on to achieve greater results in the past year, including becoming Under 10 British Biathlon Champion, winner of the GB Biathle series and European Biathle Champion for my age group.”

For more information on the grant and to apply go to www.fundingfutureolympians.org.uk

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 9th September.