Wellington News

Printer-friendly versionSend to friend

The hunt is on for Telford’s sporting stars from the past and present and future to be recognised and rewarded for their achievements. Telford and Wrekin Council Leisure & Cultural Services will be celebrating local sporting talent through two significant initiatives in the forthcoming months.

The first one is Sporting Champions. As part of the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Council is looking to celebrate former, present and future Sporting Champions those that have represented their sport at a national level and above.

The Council has been successful in accessing funding through Museum Libraries and Archives to ‘capture’ the stories of local sporting champions.

These stories will be depicted through photographs and written accounts and developed into a visual display that will tour local libraries, and be showcased at borough events.

It is hoped the project and event will raise the awareness of local ‘Sporting Champions’, the Olympics/Paralympics and in turn inspire local people to get involved in sport and physical activity.

Do you know of any ‘Sporting Champions’ - local people from Telford and Wrekin who have competed and represented their sport at the highest level - Olympics/Paralympics or at a national level?

If you do please get in touch with Rachel Threadgold Sport & Active Recreation Development Manager, on (01952) 382334 to see if they are eligible to take part in the initiative.

The second initiative is the Sports Scholarship Award Scheme. The Council’s Leisure & Cultural Services are re-launching their Sports Scholarship Scheme which aims to support talented performers and those with potential with the financial demands performers face competing at the highest level.

Performers must be 12 years or over, be a permanent resident of Telford and Wrekin and be competing or a member of a squad at a regional level or above.

Grants can be used to assist with individual’s expenses towards training, competing, travelling within the UK, equipment or coach development fees.

All performers identified through the scheme will be asked to become ‘sporting champions/ambassadors’ for Telford and Wrekin.

The initiative is being generously sponsored by RICOH design and printing specialists.

Councillor Miles Hosken, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “These are both excellent initiatives to highlight the sporting talent we have here in the borough. Here at Telford & Wrekin Council, we believe that real life experiences will really help to motivate others to strive to be the best they can and that’s why we want people to tell us about anyone they think could be a sporting champion – so we celebrate their achievements and motivate others.

“And we also want to be able to help those who are already on their path to competing at national level or beyond.

“Health and wellbeing is something that we take very seriously as a council and keeping fit can really give people energy and drive to do their best in life.”

The closing date for applications is 7 December 2009. Applications form can be obtained from Telford & Wrekin Council. Please contact Sport Development on (01952) 382889/382334 or email: Sportsdev@telford.gov.uk