Witney News - Council grant helps Oxfordshire oarswoman

Council grant helps Oxfordshire oarswoman

Council grant helps Oxfordshire oarswoman pick up world bronze medal

New equipment bought with the aid of a Sports Achievement Award from West Oxfordshire District Council helped 20 year-old North Leigh oarswoman Atlanta St John win an Under 23 World Rowing Championship bronze medal at Strathclyde last weekend as a member of the UK’s quad sculling team.

Atlanta was rowing for the four-woman team for the first time following some impressive recent individual performances. She was one of 43 talented local people to have received a sports or arts achievement award last year.

She used the £1000 grant to pay for new oars and other sculling equipment.

Now other talented sports people and artists throughout the District also have a chance to have their achievements rewarded through the 2007 awards scheme which has a deadline for entries of Thursday 27 September.

Cllr. Hilary Biles, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Health said: "I am delighted with Atlanta's success. Winning a world bronze medal in the face of such stiff competition bodes well for her even greater success in the future."

"We are very proud to be able to run a scheme which provides opportunities for local people to receive help with the cost of the equipment they need in order to progress to higher levels in their chosen pursuits."

"I hope Atlanta's latest achievement will encourage as many people as possible to enter the West Oxfordshire District Council award scheme."

People aged 15 or over can apply for grants from £50-£250 while special high achievers awards worth up to £1000 are also available to people demonstrating excellence, usually at national standard.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their commitment and dedication in their chosen sports or arts field, and show that the cash award will help them progress. Awards may be used to cover a variety of costs, for example specialist coaching fees, competition or audition fees, equipment or travel, but not on-going expenditure.

Application forms and details about awards criteria are available from the Council’s Leisure and Tourism team. Call 01993 861557 (sports awards), 01993 861554 or 01993 861562 (arts awards), or email [email protected]