Cash Backing for Tendring's Talented Sports People

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Tendring Matters Autumn 2009

Tendring Matters Spring 2009

Cash funding is up for grabs for Tendring's talented sportsmen and women to help them realise their full potential.

A pot of up to £20,000 has been set aside for the three years leading up to the 2012 Olympics to assist the development of some of the District's promising athletes.

It can help them to buy specialist equipment, or attend training camps and top level competition.

Applications can now be made to Tendring District Council (TDC) for a grant of up to £500 per individual.

The bids will be evaluated by a panel from the Council, the School Sports Partnership, Sportessex and TDC's Leisure Portfolio Holder Pierre Oxley.

The new scheme will be available to those who live in the District; have been identified as talented by their national Governing Body of Sport at county, regional or national level; are members of a county, regional or national squad and are either non-disabled or disabled athletes.

Cllr Oxley said there were a number of very gifted sportsmen and women in Tendring who find it difficult to access money - which puts them at a serious disadvantage.

"The new Talented Sports People Award Scheme - which will be launched on May 1 - is designed to support these individuals, who could well be the champions of tomorrow," he said.

"It is vital that we encourage them in every way possible and this funding may be just what they need to help them towards meeting their aspirations."

Each person who receives a reward will be required to take part in a minimum of three personal appearances to inspire young people to get involved in sport.

"This initiative is a real opportunity to get more people active in Tendring - as well as support those who have already made their mark in their chosen sport," added Cllr Oxley.

"There are a number of talented sportspeople who may well have a national ranking but are not on world class pathway funding and we want to be able to help them."

It is also hoped that the Council will be able to attract other partnership funding - on top of its own £20,000 - to provide extra awards over the three years.

16/4/09