Press Release: Coventry and Warwickshire's sporting talent of tomorrow recognised

Coventry and Warwickshire’s talented young athletes have received a boost as they begin their quest for sporting success.

A total of 29 young sports stars from across Coventry and Warwickshire have been awarded a total of £13,000 to help them achieve their sporting ambitions.

The bursaries were awarded during a special event held at Coventry University’s Westwood Heath Sports Pavilion, in Coventry.

CAP, now in its third year, is a bursary scheme that provides support to talented athletes from across the sub-region. The bursaries are funded by Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council, the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games and are supported by CSW Sport.

The scheme forms part of a local London 2012 project, Team Coventry and Warwickshire, which aims to offer provision and support for young talented athletes to reach their full sporting potential.

The funding is used by athletes to assist their development by covering some of the costs associated with their sports including coaching, equipment, travel and competition entry fees.

The athletes were presented with their awards by Olympic hockey player Rachel Walker, Martin Reeves, chief executive of Coventry City Council, and councillor Izzi Seccombe from Warwickshire County Council.

Among those recognised during the presentations were Coventry long jumper Jamie Blundell, Stratford rower Camilla Hadland, Warwick fencer Ellie Cormack, Rugby golfer Lauren Taylor and Nuneaton Taekwondo expert Shannon Kincade.

Camilla Hadland, 17, said: “This bursary means the world to me. Rowing is a very expensive sport, as you can probably imagine with boats and equipment costing thousands of pounds, and I have to travel pretty much every weekend.

“The money really makes a difference and my parents are very grateful as they have had to fund my rowing for years, and the bursary certainly lightens the load.”

As well as the bursaries, the young athletes were presented with specially branded hooded tops courtesy of Alex Newman, owner of promotional products and badge company, Recognition Express.

Will Bastin, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership assistant for the 2012 Games, said: “The bursaries are a sign of commitment from our partners to assist and develop the region’s talented young athletes.

“London 2012 provides a focus and inspiration for these young athletes to achieve their sporting ambitions

“It is fantastic for us and our partners to be able to support such dedicated and talented athletes who will hopefully add to the region’s proud sporting heritage.

“After three years of bursaries, we can begin to see and justify the benefits of this crucial funding through the progress that the young athletes have and continue to make.”

ENDS

Picture captions (l/r): (back) Hugh Brayshaw, Oliver Edkins, Liam O’Neill, Darren Rockliffe, Denis Zaboronsky, Ryan Morris, (middle) Danielle Stewart, Nancy eue Creedy, Tim Walton, Eve O’Sullivan, Farrell Treacy, Hamish Rogers, Camilla Hadland, Rhys Walker, Sam Parsons, Michael McKeown, (front) Katie Silke, Sian Rainsley, Kyle Sweet, Megan Grace Bignall, Shannon Kincade, Rachel Walker, Kimberley Woods, Emma Ricketts, Ellie Cormack and Jamie Blundell.