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 thanks to 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 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 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.
A full list of the grant recipients is available at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/eliteathletes.