The race is beyond the funding deadline for talented Nottinghamshire athletes

Until the end of this month, sports aspiring stars will have time to apply for a grant from the Talented Athletes Fund of Nottinghamshire County Council.

A £ 50,000 funding pot was launched in November to support the county’s novice Olympics, Paralympics and Special Olympics to overcome potential financial hurdles such as training and equipment costs.

Grants of up to £ 1,000 are available to Nottinghamshire athletes who have represented their country at national sporting events over the past 24 months, including a range of sports recognized by Sport England from speed skating to swimming and fencing to table tennis. Apply until 31.12.2021.

Community Committee Chairman John Cottee said: “We have a proud sporting history in this county and I am amazed at the dedication of athletes who have adapted to find ways to practice throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions.

“For all the attention over the last year, it’s amazing that this funding is open to local athletes who can apply for up to £ 1,000 to help cover expenses such as travel, coaching, competition fees and equipment.

“However, as the application deadline approaches, I would urge all eligible athletes or parents of athletes to apply for a grant as soon as possible.

“It can really make a huge difference in helping them reach their potential and eventually overcome some of the financial challenges.”

Paralympic canoe Emma Wiggs MBE, who won gold for the UK in Tokyo in 2020 and is training at the National Water Sports Center in Holme Pierrepont Country Park, has also urged athletes to apply for the fund.

Emma made history at this year’s Paralympics when she became the first Briton to become a two-time paranoid champion in silver in the women’s KL2 series and gold in the women’s VL2 – adding to the gold she won in Rio in 2016 (KL2).

He said: “The journey to compete at the highest level can be difficult in many ways – not least the financial pressure of coaching, special equipment and travel.

“This fund is a great opportunity to help all novice athletics enthusiasts reach their potential – whether they are aiming for the Olympics, Paralympics or Special Olympics.

“Up to £ 1,000 is available per application, so I’m glad the focus is more on the best athletes who may need expensive custom equipment, clothing or have even higher transport costs.

“Nottinghamshire has an amazing sporting past and also a fantastic future, especially when there are world-class facilities like Holme Pierrepont right outside the door.”

Emma has also praised the County Council for its key role in her success, which was recently recognized at a special event at the National Water Sports Center to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic campaigns for paddlers representing the UK in Tokyo 2020.

Paralympic paddlers brought home seven medals – three gold, one silver and three bronzes – to the top of the medal table.

Of the seven medals earned, six were for athletes based in Holme Pierrepont – home of the National Water Sports Center run by Serco Leisure on behalf of the county government.

The event was attended by representatives of the County Government, British Canoeing and Serco Leisure, and was attended by Jack Garner, Contract Manager at the Center, John Coyne CBE, President of British Canoeing, Cllr Cottee and Emma.

Emma said: “This was an important event that not only celebrated the success of the sport, but helped strengthen an already strong relationship with the people running the site at British Canoeing. I would like to thank Nottinghamshire County Council, Serco Leisure, Jack Garner and his team for their continued support over a very challenging 18 months.

“In the face of floods, closures and all sorts of other obstacles, the NWSC team worked tirelessly to ensure that athletes always had a place to train, which helped us achieve our long-term championship goals.

“We are very lucky to have a National Water Sports Center in Nottingham – I always tell people that for canoes and other water sports athletes training here, this site is our secret weapon.”

You can apply for a Talented Athletes Fund grant at Local Community Fund: Talented Athletes Nottinghamshire County Council

Funding will be awarded to selected applicants from April 2022.