Grants for local athletes by County Council

Local athletes could be helped by a grant from Nottinghamshire County Council to improve their training.

Olivia Whitelaw, 15 and Ed Howlett, 18, received nearly £400 in grants through the Talented Athletes Fund.

Howlett, of Farndon, said: “My grant from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Talented Athletes Scheme has been well spent, fencing is an expensive sport and every contribution helps.

“Every international competition I have attended has helped me to become a better fencer and the camp in Poland which I have just been on has been extremely worthwhile.

"Going forward, we have just paid annual membership fees for ZFW and I also have daytime membership at the Leon Paul Fencing Centre.

"Inevitably, the cost is significantly greater than the cost of fencing in Nottinghamshire.”

Whitelaw, of Hoveringham, who represents GB in dressage, said:“The aid we have been provided financially has enabled additional training sessions for myself and Leo (her horse).

“It has also enabled more physical training sessions, using a personal trainer to make me become a stronger athlete.

“The support from Nottinghamshire County Council has allowed us to continue competing both Nationally and Internationally for Great Britain.

"The aid we have been given has helped cover the cost of travel, entry fees, stabling and many other factors that contribute to competing at this level.”

Councillor John Handley, Vice-Chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "The Talented Athletes Fund is a great opportunity for young athletes to secure funding to enable them to continue their training to whatever level they are able to reach.

“In Nottinghamshire, we are proud of our sporting heritage and want to encourage as many young people as possible to become as talented in their sport as they possibly can."

Applicants must live in Nottinghamshire.

The deadline for applications closes October 15.

For full details of the Talented Athletes Fund Application Guidelines, click here www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/talented