The Talented Athlete Programme is now open to budding Island sporting stars.
The council’s sports unit is now accepting applications for the 2021/22 scheme. The sponsored programme helps gifted sports people by offering discounted access to a whole host of services.
A range of benefits
Talented athletes who meet the scheme’s criteria can use the council’s leisure centres free of charge. They will also receive discounts in selected local retailers, physio and chiropractic services. They will also have discounted travel on Wightlink.
Last year’s programme helped more than 70 athletes, aged from ten to 83 representing 21 sports.
Matthews: Apply and take advantage of the discounts on offer
Lee Matthews, the council’s leisure, recreation and public spaces manager, said,
“The scheme supports our home-grown sportsmen and sportswomen of all ages. I would urge our local gifted athletes to apply and take advantage of the discounts on offer.
“It helps with the costs of using leisure facilities or travelling around the Island and the mainland for sporting fixtures or training. I would like to thank all our sponsorship partners for coming on board again, especially our main sponsor, Wightlink, without them this scheme would not happen.”
The council is able to offer:
- discounted Wightlink travel;
- free access to the council’s 1Leisure facilities at Medina, the Heights and Westridge;
- in store discounts at Love Running; and
James: Really proud to continue our longstanding support
Wightlink marketing and innovation director, Stuart James, said,
“We are really proud to continue our longstanding support for the Talented Athlete scheme which plays such a crucial role in helping the Island’s most gifted sportsmen and women.
“When competing at a county or national level, regular cross-Solent travel is essential so we are delighted to step in with support so that talented athletes can continue to progress within their chosen sports and fly the flag for the Isle of Wight.”
For young people currently competing at a Hampshire county level or above, the scheme provides support to access and train for top level competition within their chosen sport. The scheme offers the same support for adults who are representing England or Great Britain, and those who are recognised by their sport governing body as a potential talent.
Don’t miss out
To check if you can apply and to get an application pack, please visit the Website.
You can also email our sports unit at [email protected]
The deadline for applications Sunday 21st November 2021. The successful applicants will be told in January. The scheme applies to Isle of Wight residents only.
Many sporting stars have benefited already from the scheme. These have included:
- – 10,000 metres star, Jessica Andrews (now Martin), who competed at the Rio Olympics; and
- – hammer athlete Andrew Frost, who competed in both 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
