Aspiring Wiltshire Olympians and Paralympians boosted by grants
An annual Sports Gala Dinner's raised over £80,000 for local sports stars
1\5 Budding Olympians and Paralympians in Wiltshire are being supported with grants raised by an annual Business and Sports Gala Dinner.
The gala celebrates the county's finest sporting talents and provides a financial boost to their aspirations of participating in the Games.
This year's event raised over £80,000 and featured a guest speech from Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE.
This year’s grant recipients, each receiving £1,000 are:
• Ashlyn Bland, from Melksham, Skeleton
• Carys Johnson, from Malmesbury, Lacrosse
• Dan Bethell, from Chippenham, Para-Badminton
• Harry Maxwell, from Chippenham, Triathlon
• James Hulme, from Sherston, Modern Pentathlon
• Joel Mattacks, from Southwick, Athletics
• Katie Pocklington, from Semington, Canoe Sprint
• Lewis Robertson-Carrier, from Calne, Dressage
• Lucy Matthews, from Salisbury, Athletics
• Molly Symonds, from Devizes, Rugby
• Philippe Ehrnrooth, from Devizes, Flatwater Sprint Kayak
• Piers Gilliver MBE, from Trowbridge, Wheelchair fencing
• Sally Kidson, from Salisbury, Boccia
• Stephanie Clutterbuck, from Chippenham, Triathlon
• Tom Gale, from Trowbridge, Athletics
Successful applicants receive funding to help them with training and attending competitions, as well as paying for equipment and transport costs to regional, national and international events.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This year’s Wiltshire Business and Sports Gala Dinner marks an incredible 11 years of supporting Wiltshire athletes, with a record 15 outstanding athletes receiving a grant this year.
"Their stories of dedication and triumph are truly inspiring and with the continued support of our Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation, we’re excited to see their future achievements."
Grant recipient, Piers Gilliver MBE, said: “Receiving the grant last year enabled me to fully focus on the Paris Paralympics last summer where I was pleased to come home with three silvers and a bronze. This funding enables me to train at the level required to achieve at the highest level in sport and this year’s grant will allow me to start on the road to Los Angeles 2028.”
Fellow grant recipient, Dan Bethell, said: “This grant has made a massive difference to me over the years, allowing me to compete around the world on my journey to two Paralympics Games, winning a silver each time. This year will be no exception as the training cycle for LA 2028 has already begun and knowing I have the support of my local community is a real boost to me as I compete in the various qualifying events that will support me in reaching my third Paralympics.”