THE borough’s sporting stars are being invited to apply for a cash boost

Sports Grant Aid, funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and administered by Basingstoke Sports Council. offers financial assistance to young sports stars.

It can be used to help with everything from travelling and coaching expenses to competition entry fees, equipment and clothing requirements as athletes bid for national and international honours.

Those people applying for the grant should be residents of Basingstoke and Deane, of at least county representative standard in their sport and between the ages of 10 and 24 years.

Over 70 athletes received funding last year including Farah Fonseca, who became the 2018 World’s Strongest Woman in the lightweight category at the World Championships in Oslo, and Kaitlin Lafferty, who competed for Great Britain at the European Tumbling Championships, winning team gold and a bronze medal in the individual competition.

Grant Aid applicants are also considered for a scholarship and support scheme provided by facilities including Basingstoke Sports Centre, the Aquadrome, Golf Centre and Tadley Pool.

The council’s cabinet member for community and community safety Councillor Simon Bound, pictured, said: “It is important that we offer support to our athletes as they work hard to achieve success in their chosen sports.

“The Grant Aid scheme not only celebrates their achievements but looks to assist them in the future, ensuring that they have the opportunity to reach their potential.

“We hope that many local athletes will take up this great opportunity of financial support as they go for gold.

“We also look forward to hearing about the nominations for the Sports Awards from the organising team at the Sports Council. These awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of sports people, volunteers and coaches.”

The deadline for grant applications, and also the Basingstoke and Deane Sports Award nominations, is Saturday, 1 December.

For application and nomination forms, or more information on the Sports Grant Aid scheme and Sports Awards, go to basingstoke.gov.uk/sportsawards or contact Amy Sambell on 01256 845752 or amy.sambell@basingstoke.gov.uk.