Commonwealth Games gold medal gymnast Kelly Simm is giving her backing to Hampshire’s Talented Athlete Scheme as the doors open on the next round of applications.
The Team England star from Fareham said: “HTAS have been really supportive over the years and their help really makes a difference with my training and is a big support. They help with the financial costs of my sport along with many other things including free access to leisure centres, all things which make it easier to focus just on my training. I’m really thankful for their support and really proud to be a HTAS athlete.”
From Monday 1 September 2014, promising sportsmen and women across the county are being invited to apply for the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS).
The scheme, which is funded by Hampshire County Council and co-ordinated by Sport Hampshire & IOW, has helped support rising and established sports stars reach world class podiums. The Council provide £92,000 per year as an investment to support local athletes with training, sports science, travel, equipment and physiotherapy.
HTAS gives money to over 200 athletes a year and some of Hampshire’s most promising athletes have received support in previous years, including Kelly Simm and Olympic gold medallist Dani King.
National and international level athletes can receive a range of benefits, including a monetary grant, free access to leisure centres, fast track physiotherapy, a free bus pass from Bluestar, First and Stagecoach, as well as sports science support from Southampton Solent University.
At a time when costs associated with training and competition are on the increase, the scheme is seen by many current and previous recipients as a much-needed injection of support.
Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Recreation and Countryside Councillor Keith Chapman, said: “Hampshire has a strong sporting heritage, with many exceptional sportsmen and women living in the county. The Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme goes some way to providing much needed support to these committed, talented and determined sportsmen and women. We look forward to receiving applications and supporting our local athletes achieve their sporting ambitions.”
The deadline for applications is Friday 10 October 2014. An athlete has to be at least 11 years of age to apply.
Full details, including an application form and scheme criteria can be accessed online – click here.
