Grants available to help sports stars of tomorrow

WILTSHIRE Council, in partnership with local businesses, is looking to help support the next generation of sports stars with the launch of 2018’s Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians sports scholarship grant.

Established in 2014, these grants have already helped to support 27 future sports stars, with many of these young people going on to achieve national – and even international – success in their chosen sport.

The grant is now open to any Wiltshire athlete aged between 8-18 years old who is competing in either a regional or national level in an Olympic/Paralympic sport or any sport recognised by Sport England.

A grant of £500 is available to help to enhance their training and competition opportunities, buy new equipment and help with travel costs.

A 2017 grant recipient, Eirlys Jones said, “I was excited and grateful to receive a sports scholarship grant earlier this year. The funding has helped me achieve some fantastic results, including picking up two British rhythmic gymnastics titles and becoming U10 Welsh champion. I was also able to compete in my first international competitions, representing Wales in Serbia and Spain.”

John Thomson, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for leisure said, “These grants are a great way for young people to get the financial support they need to compete in their sport.

“By funding the sports stars of the future, we’re continuing our ambition to creating a lasting legacy of sporting excellence in Wiltshire.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 13th November 2017. For more information and to apply for a grant, go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-supporting-athletes