Some of the Islanders on the talented athlete scheme. Picture by Robin Crossley.
ALMOST 50 Island sports stars have been given a funding boost through the IW Council’s Talented Athlete Scheme.
The council received a large response when it announced it would provide grants of up to £400 and free access to its leisure centres to help support the IW’s top sporting talent. Wightlink and Southern Vectis are also providing travel incentives as part of the scheme.
A wide variety of sports are represented on the list, from ice hockey player Aidan Doughty, who currently plays for the Wightlink Raiders, discus thrower Nick Percy, triathlete Cohan Tyler, Renee Stewart, who competes in Deaflympics swimming, and Harriet Little, who competes in wheelchair archery.
The oldest athlete to receive support is Peter Newlands, 59, whose sport is Blokart Landsail racing, and the youngest are cricketer Daniel Cox and athlete Ariela Richardson, both 11.
Cllr George Brown, cabinet member responsible for the economy, said: "The IW has a proud sporting history, ranging from the two NatWest Island Games we have hosted to producing Olympic medallists such as Louis Attrill and Kelly Sotherton. I am pleased the council, as well as Wightlink and Southern Vectis, are supporting dozens of our sporting stars to help them reach the next level in their sport and achieve more success."
The scheme was set up after the council’s sports unit secured external funding for a one year talented athlete programme.
• Full list of talented athletes in the Friday, February 15, County Press.