Staffordshire young sports people continue to excel

 

 

 

Since each receiving a Staffordshire County Council sports grant earlier this year three young Staffordshire sports people are continuing to achieve success in their field. 

 

 

 

Each year the scheme provides funding to support young sportspeople who either live or go to school in Staffordshire and have proven to excel.  The money awarded is used to support the cost of their training and participation in competitions, including expenses such as travel, equipment and accommodation.

 

18 year old swimmer Emma Wilkins from Cannock, 15 year old sailor Andrew Bridgman from Stone and 14 year old wind surfer Kieran Martin from Cheadle were among those who received a £400 grant. 

 

Emma Wilkins’ grant enabled her to purchase a competition suit which she wore when she qualified for the British Gas Swimming team in March.  She recently competed at the World Championships in Rome as part of the team which included double Olympic Champion Rebecca Adlington and Olympic medalists David Davies, Keri-Anne Payne and Jo Jackson.

 

Emma Wilkins pictured receiving her sports grant
 award with fellow young sports people

 

14 year old windsurfer Kieran Martin from Cheadle won the Techno European Championships and recently competed in the IWA Junior, Youth and Masters Windsurfing World Championships in Portland, Dorset in August, where he frequently led the field. Kieran who races in the Under 15s fleet representing Great Britain has also used the new 6.8m sail which he bought with his grant in all his other international events in France and Belgium and is consistently doing well.

 

 Kieran Martin  - wind surfer

 

Andrew Bridgman who was selected for Team GBR in 2008 as part of the national single handed topper squad is also celebrating after being crowned winner and International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Topper Champion 2009 at Ebensee, Austria in July.

 

Andrew Bridgman pictured sailing

 

County Councillor Ben Adams, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture said: “Each of the young sportspeople we awarded this year has one thing in common, an ambition to represent their county at a senior level and compete at future Olympic Games with some targeting London 2012.  It is always fascinating to see how our Staffordshire young athletes progress throughout their careers.  This is great news for Emma, Andrew and Kieran and I wish them all the best of luck for the future.”

 

Stephen Bridgman, Andrew's father said: "While the financial assistance was really helpful, in addition the events organised by Staffordshire County Council such as meeting the Olympians, and the recognition by Officers of the County Council for achievements were just as important in helping to motivate Andy to his great achievement by helping him believe he could do it too"

 

To find out more about Staffordshire County Council’s Sports Grant Scheme please contact:

 

Chris Kirkland
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Co-ordinator for the 2012 Games
Email: chris.kirkland@staffordshire.gov.uk 
Tel: 01785 854595