Next generation of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls in Notts receive funding boost

After a summer of success at the Olympics and Paralympics for local athletes the funding package for the next generation of sporting hopefuls has been approved.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Grant Aid Sports Fund scheme has announced that £24,190 has been awarded to 16 of the county’s sports clubs.

The funding supports schemes aimed at increasing public participation and recruiting or developing coaches and volunteers over the next two years.

A further £17,600 in funding is to be awarded to 44 of the county’s most talented athletes to help with a variety of expenses over the next 12 months.

This includes specialist coaching, entry fees, conditioning and equipment.

One recipient of the Talented Athlete funding is 27 year-old Emilia McAllister-Jepps a Sprint Kayaker based at the National Watersports Centre.

Despite only competing in the discipline for two years, Emilia has already secured National Championship medals in the K2 200, K1 200 and K4 500 classes.

Emilia said:  “I took part in a nationwide search to identify female athletes in the UK who could excel in sprint canoeing and out of 700 applicants was offered a place to train as one of 12 athletes on the Girls4Gold squad based at Holme Pierrepont.

“Just over two years later, I have competed and won medals at National Championships, representing British canoeing at competitions in France, Canada and Germany.

“The difference the Talented Athlete funding will make to me will be significant. In order to reach world level you have to be able to focus all of your energy and time on training and competing.

“Being able to access funding in order to ensure I can have the best equipment and opportunities for some warm weather training could be the difference between coming first or second in a race.

“I am so grateful for the opportunities that living in Nottinghamshire has to offer; it really is a fantastic sporting county.”

Maybe a future Wimbledon champion is a current Meadow Lane pupil?

All recipients of the £400 Talented Athlete grants have represented their country or are ranked in the top five nationally for their age group.

This also includes Charlotte Henshaw and Ollie Hynd MBE who both won medals at the Rio Paralympics.

Chilwell Memorial Institute Tennis Club has been awarded a £1,400 grant over the next two years to set up a new junior section.

The Institute was first created to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Great War and opened in 1924 ‘for the purposes of assembly and recreation for local residents.

The lawn tennis courts are situated in a secluded part of Chilwell and club members believe the club has become too well hidden so have decided to do something about it.

Club Secretary Chris Clift said: “This fantastic asset is brimming with potential and, to kick-start increased community involvement, we have decided to introduce coaching sessions during those times when it’s unused.

“This invaluable funding from the County Council will enable us to offer mini tennis sessions for youngsters and we are delighted to be working with our neighbours at Meadow Lane School in pioneering this initiative.

“Who knows, maybe a future Wimbledon champion is a current Meadow Lane pupil?”

Chair of the Grant Aid Sub-Committee Councillor Joyce Bosnjak said: “The County Council has a proud record of supporting both sports clubs and individuals over many years.

“This has contributed towards the amazing success enjoyed by Nottinghamshire’s sportsmen, women and teams in recent times. Our sports funding is a continuation of that.

“Like many Nottinghamshire people, I was bursting with pride as I watched the amazing performances of Ollie Hynd, Charlotte Henshaw and the Downie sisters at the Olympics and Paralympics this summer – all were previous recipients of our sports funding.”

I am proud that we can help local athletes and clubs to succeed

Councillor Bosnjak also recognises the importance of having a variety of well-funded sports clubs throughout the county.

She said: “It’s great that, through our scheme we can support them to create even more chances for people of all abilities to take part in sport at a grassroots level.

“We will also be able to improve coaching and provide rewarding opportunities to volunteer.

“I am proud that Nottinghamshire County Council continues to value sport and play an important role in helping local athletes and clubs to succeed.”