The council share this latest news. Ed
The Talented Athlete Programme sponsored discount scheme is now open for budding Island sporting stars.
The council’s sports unit is now accepting applications for the 2018 scheme, which is aimed at helping gifted sports people reach their full potential and achieve further success by providing discounted access to a whole host of services.
A range of perks
Talented athletes who meet the scheme’s criteria will also be able to use the council’s leisure centres free of charge and receive discounts in selected local retailers, physio and chiropractic services, as well as much needed discounted travel on Wightlink and assisted bus travel with Southern Vectis.
Last year’s programme helped nearly 70 athletes, providing support worth an estimated £142,022. The youngest was cyclist Harrison Hendy, eight, and the oldest swimmer Jenny Ball, 79.
Supporting home-grown sportsmen and sportswomen
Councillor John Hobart, Cabinet member for environment and heritage, said,
“The scheme seeks to give support and encouragement to our home-grown sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages so they can achieve the very best they can without having to worry about the costs of using leisure facilities or travelling around the Island and to the mainland.
“I would urge our home-grown stars to take advantage of the scheme and I would also like to thank our sponsorship partners for coming on board again and helping us to continue to support Island future athletic stars.”
Wightlink: “Doing our bit”
Wightlink Marketing and Innovation Director, Stuart James added,
“We know that in order to pursue training or competition it is often necessary for Island sportspeople to travel to the mainland – we are doing our bit to ensure that the need to cross the Solent is not a barrier to progress.
“We are delighted to continue our support for the Talented Athletes programme.”
Train for top level competition
For young people currently competing at a Hampshire county level or above, the scheme provides support to access and train for top level competition within their chosen sport.
The scheme offers the same support for adults who are representing England or Great Britain, or those who are recognised by their sport governing body as a potential talent.
Find out if you’re eligible
To check your eligibility against the current criteria and to obtain an application pack, please visit the Website or email [email protected]
The application process closes on the 31st January 2018 and the successful applicants will be notified in February. The scheme is applicable to Isle of Wight residents only.
Previous successes
The scheme has benefitted a number of sporting stars have benefited including athletics 10,000 metres star, Jessica Andrews (now Martin), who competed at the Rio Olympics; hammer athlete Andrew Frost, who competed in both 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games and Nicholas Percy, discus athlete who is currently Britain’s No1.
Image: Wightlink marketing and innovation director Stuart James, Harrison Hendy, Jenny Ball and the council’s sports unit officer, Alec Broome.
