Funding boost for young sport stars

The bursaries were awarded by Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC) to help them to train and be better equipped and supported in their areas of expertise.

The funding support is part of the legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Recipients include 14-year-old snowboarder Cerys Allen, from Steeple Claydon, who was overall champion at last year’s British Indoor Slopestyle Championship.

A grant was also awarded to 15-year-old Johnnie Torjussen, from Buckingham, who won a silver medal at last year’s European U15 Badminton Championships.

Josh Card, from Wendover, received grant funding after a successful 2014 which saw him win his first national title at the Wheelchair Tennis Development Series at Gosling Sports Park.

The other recipients were Josh Ogden (snowboarding), from Winslow; Zoe Harrison (rugby union), from Cheddington; and Charles Walker (sitting volleyball), from Aylesbury.

The talented athletes were presented with their grant cheques yesterday by cabinet member for leisure Howard Mordue.

Mr Mordue said: “We’re very pleased to support these talented sportspeople.

“We wish them well in their endeavours and look forward to following their progress in the months and years ahead.

“I’m sure this grant funding will give them all a boost at an important time in their sporting careers.”

AVDC works with the national charity SportsAid to identify and support local athletes from the area with the highest levels of talent and potential.

This year’s grant recipients join a growing list of highly talented sportsmen and women who have received support from AVDC, including adaptive rower Pamela Relph, who won a gold medal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Roger Fennemore, Director of SportsAid Eastern, said: “SportsAid is delighted to work with AVDC on their plans to support local emerging talent.

“In the past this has led to some great successes and undoubtedly support for talented young people not only enables them to fulfil their potential but enables them to become role models in the community for sport and activity.

“Sport and activity has a major role to play in reducing obesity, promoting social cohesion and producing real sporting icons that we can all be proud of.

“I thank AVDC for their commitment to their young people.”

AVDC also supports a separate bursary scheme in Aylesbury Vale for sports coaches and athletes who may not be at the elite level but are competing at a regional level.

Bursaries of up to £300 are available for athletes and up to £500 for community sports coaches to help them obtain coaching qualifications.

Applications are reviewed every month.

For more information, visit www.leapwithus.org.uk/avbursaries