More elite athletes than ever before from across Rushcliffe have been awarded grant funding to support their efforts in their chosen sport, helping them to reach their future national and Olympic goals with the Borough Council’s Elite Sports Grant.
36 athletes from across 17 different sports are now benefitting from the vital funds to help with costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees and equipment.
Athletes include Radcliffe-on-Trent resident Samantha Rees-Clark, a GB British Canoeing athlete who trains at Nottingham Kayak Club in West Bridgford and is a double World Medalist and double European Medalist in canoe marathon.
Samantha said:
“I first fell into the sport when I was sixteen and it was the first sport, I could give everything to. I like that it’s physically and mentally demanding and I’ve met a lot of long-term friends through the sport.
“I train twice a day and this time of year we try to get away to practice in warmer weather!
“Travelling for training and competitions is expensive and this grant will help fund additional international races and will support me at major internationals by giving me more top end racing exposure.
“I’m extremely grateful for the ongoing support that I have received from Rushcliffe Borough Council through the Elite Athlete Sports grant and FANS scheme.
“It’s great to see so many athletes in Rushcliffe succeeding at such as high level.”
Barney Corrall from West Bridgford is a Para Junior World Champion long jumper and has received a grant through the Elite Athletes Fund to further support his goals to compete at upcoming international competitions.
He said: “This sport has given me a platform to express myself and build on my personal growth and physical health.
“I have Cerebral Palsy and the long jump helps me to stay active and keep using my muscles so they don’t seize up or become worse.
“This grant will help to reduce the significant costs involved in competing at the international level and will go towards new spikes which I need for training as well as travel expenses.
“Previously the grant has helped me take part in a warm weather training camp in America which I wouldn’t have been able to go to otherwise.
“Thank you to the Council for their continued support and faith to support me through this grant scheme.”
The grants can also be used for specialist coaching and other professional support deemed appropriate by the National Governing Body over the next year.
The authority’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change Abby Brennan said: “We are delighted to award these talented athletes with funding that can help towards managing the costs of competing and training at such a high level.
“It’s inspiring to see so many brilliant athletes here in Rushcliffe from across a variety of different sports. They work incredibly hard with vigorous training plans and are committed to their sport.
“Competing at an advanced level in sport can create a financial burden for athletes that can often be a barrier to further achievements and we want to help wherever we can.
“We take pride in having great sport in the Borough and it’s fantastic that we can offer this support to local athletes with their future sporting aspirations.”
• The Mayor appeals to knitters to make Easter egg holders for local children
