Young Erewash sports stars are being urged to apply for a grant to help them with their training as they strive to be major medal winners.
Derbyshire’s ICON bursary programme is now open for the 2015-16 year and athletes have until Friday 25 September to apply for support in their drive to reach the top of their sports.
Nine athletes from the Erewash area benefited from ICON support last year, sharing a total of £1,600.
Among them were West Hallam skier Justin Taylor-Tipton, who was a gold medallist in the English Slopestyle Championships, and Borrowash table tennis player Emma Vickers, who reached the semi-finals of the women’s singles at the senior National Championships.
Successful Erewash applicants must live in the borough or compete for a Derbyshire-based club and must already compete at a high level to qualify. They should already be representing their country, have won a national championship medal and be part of a recognised development squad.
Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:
“The ICON bursaries can be a lifeline for young athletes who, despite competing at a high level, often receive no financial support. These grants help them with the substantial costs they have with training, travel, accommodation, equipment and coaching. If you’re one of Erewash’s sporting stars on your way to achieving great things at major championships, make sure you apply before the deadline.”
Full details of the criteria and an online application form can be found at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/icon-applications
