The Isle of Wight Council’s sports unit is providing more opportunities to support the next generation of sporting stars from the Island by running its ‘talented athlete’ scheme during 2014.
The scheme gives support to Isle of Wight athletes who are performing at a high level in their sport with the aim of helping their development and achieving further success.
This involves providing free access to council-run leisure centres, discounted travel on Wightlink and assisted bus travel with Southern Vectis. New for 2014 will be the inclusion of local retailer and physio care discounts available at companies that are supporting the scheme.
The sports unit is currently accepting applications for the talented athlete scheme until 31th December.
There are two categories for sports people to apply in – Elite Performer and Junior Performer.
For the juniors to be eligible, the person must meet certain criteria including being ranked in the top ten of their sport at regional level or top five at county level. They must also be a member of a county squad, be an Isle of Wight resident and be aged 16 or under.
For the elite category, a number of criteria must be met, again mainly relating to the ranking in their sport. They need to be ranked in the top ten at regional level and the top twenty at national or international level. They must also be part of a national development programme or national team and live on the Island. They must also be non-professional. The elite category is open to any age.
Anyone who is awarded funding will be announced in January.
To request an application pack, contact the council’s sports unit on (01983) 823818 or email [email protected].
Photo: Isle of Wight Council
