Twelve Teesside sports stars get extra financial boost
Local talents from sports like judo and rowing have been awarded a slice of ÂŁ10,500 to fund their potential.
Twelve talented sportspeople from Teesside have received vital financial support to boost their future chances.
Talents from athletic, judo, swimming, rowing badminton and wheelchair racing have received a slice of ÂŁ10,500 funding.
It's been provided by Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation as part of their Financial Assisntance for Sportspeople on Teesside (FAST) Fund.
Supported by 45 local companies and individuals, the grant aims to financially support the region's sports talent as they strive to reach the top of their field.
Among the winners was Billingham 15-year-old Alex Kelly, netminder in the tough and fast-flowing sport of ice hockey, who received ÂŁ1,000.
Alex has played ice hockey since the age of nine and has been selected to represent the North of England.
Alex said: “The cost of equipment to actually play in goal as netminder is astronomical, with full kit costing in excess of £2,500.
"I’ve grown four inches in the last 12 months, so need to replenish my kit, while travelling and accommodation for international tournaments quickly adds up, so the FAST Fund grant is a big boost.”
Wheelchair racer Jade Jones, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, received ÂŁ1,000 as she looks to compete in her second Paralympics in Rio this summer, having competed at the 2012 London Olympics as a 16-year-old.
Jade said: “In order to gain the qualification times for the Paralympics, I need to travel to the fastest tracks in the world, most of which are in America.
"The FAST Fund grant is helping to fund my trip there and allow me to follow my dream.”
To apply to the FAST Fund for a grant, visit www.fastfund.org.uk