More than 100 sportsmen and women, talented athletes and representatives from arts groups, charities and good causes across the Isle of Wight came together in Newport to update their sponsors, Wightlink, about their achievements and future plans.
Over coffee and cake, the event at Quay Arts was the first in-person gathering following the end of pandemic restrictions and was welcomed by all including, 20 members of the Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team rode into Newport to join the event.
All of those involved receive support with cross-Solent travel as a result of the ferry company’s community initiatives.
Wightlink Chief Executive, Keith Greenfield, said:
“It was wonderful to catch up again with our friends and find out what they have been doing,”
“We sponsor 64 talented athletes through a scheme run by the Isle of Wight Council to help them compete on the mainland, as well as many arts groups, sports teams and associations, charities and good causes. We also help entertainment venues bring acts from the mainland and ship locomotives for the Steam Railway.”
Shanklin Theatre chairman, Vic Farrow, said:
“Wightlink’s support helps us attract the best entertainers in the UK for Islanders and holidaymakers,”
Article continues below this advertisement “We have now rescheduled all the shows that were postponed because of COVID-19 and are finding comedians are especially popular, perhaps people want to have a good laugh now things are getting back to normal.”
Open water swimmer 84-year-old Jenny Ball, who competes on the mainland, said:
“I’m very proud to be sponsored by Wightlink as part of the Talented Athlete scheme. There are a lot of opportunities to take part in sport on the Island and I’d say you’re never too old.”
Members of Ryde Rowing Club, John Cattle’s Skate Club, the Island’s Junior Ice Hockey Club and Royal Victoria Yacht Club were also there, along with Newport Jazz Club, the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, West Wight Arts Association, Fusion Arts Academy and many more.
