Red Funnel has announced the new cohort of teams and individuals it will be sponsoring as part of its ongoing Proud to Support initiative, which is dedicated to empowering the aspirations and talents of individuals living on the Isle of Wight. The initiative supports high-performing individuals, groups, and clubs on the Island, from athletes and artists to performers, musicians and more. Red Funnel provides travel sponsorship for its chosen Island Ambassadors (individuals and groups up to 6 people) and Supported Teams (6+ members). In 2024 they are sponsoring 11 Island Ambassadors, which include a pro kite surfer and British kickboxing champion; 6 Junior Ambassadors featuring a 9-year-old dressage rider and 11-year-old competitive dancer, as well as 9 Supported Teams, all of which will receive travel support to enable them to compete and perform at national events and venues. The Island Ambassadors include:
- Corey Kent – Autistic Jiu Jitshu athlete
- Clint Gardner – Special Olympics athlete
- Isabel Dominey – Championship Freestyle dancer
- Coach Party – Indie Rock Band
- Liberty Lee – Gymnast
- Rhirhi – Musician
- Josh Oddy – Pro Golfer
- Jack Scully-Syer – Junior Speedway rider
- Toby Trotman – Tennis player
- Jess Burfitt – Competitive Dancer
- Esme Colley – Dressage Rider
- BB Racing – Supermoto Team
- Dominic Marsh – Kickboxing Champion
- Tom Court – Pro Kitesurfer
- Rubi Harper – Showjumper
- Wightflight Siberian Huskies – Sled Racing and Showing Team
- Sarah Holmes – 5 Star Event Rider
Teams being supported in 2024 include:
- Solent Netball Club
- Ventnor Rugby Club
- Wight Harmony Acapella Choir
- The Starlight Academy
- Vectis Equestrian Club
- Ventnor Cricket Club
- East Cowes Vics FC
- Naut Cycling Club & Race Team
- Isle of Wight Panthers Kickboxing
After receiving an unprecedented number of applicants, Red Funnel will also provide support to a further 9 talented applicants outside of the main scheme, to aid their transition from local to national competition and status. They include:
- Abs Whittington – Dog Agility
- Emily Martin – Ballet Dancer
- Freddie Giemza-Pipe – Indoor Rowing Champion
- Natalie Brougham – Dressage rider
- Natasha Gough – Pro Wrestler
- Nina Ross – Jazz Singer
- The Pill – Band
Talking about his selection for the 2024 cohort, Clint Gardner, Special Olympics Athlete, has said:
“Red Funnel’s support means that I can now further my chance to play Badminton nationally for my country, moving me closer to my goal of becoming a World Champion in my field. I’m proud to represent the Island in my sport and hope I can inspire others to follow their dream.”
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, adds:
“This year we received over 100 applications for our 2024 cohort, and it was a near impossible task for our team to shortlist the talented Island residents seeking travel support. “We’re proud of the enormous talent across the Isle of Wight community and are both honoured and excited to support so many incredible teams and individuals. All our ambassadors and teams are important to us, and we’re pleased to be able to help them to reach their ambitions at a national level. We cannot wait to see what they all do next.”
To find out more about the Proud to Support initiative, visit https://www.redfunnel.co.uk/proud-support.
This is very good free advertising but how about spending more time running the ferry company that you make it look as though you are operating.