Witney News - Awards up for grabs by sports and arts performers

Awards up for grabs by sports and arts performers

Awards are available from the District Council to help aid the development and further the potential of talented arts and sports performers in West Oxfordshire.

Residents over the age of 14 who can demonstrate their commitment and dedication to their arts or sport can apply for an Arts or Sports Achievement Award from the Council.

Those eligible and chosen to receive an Award will get between £50 and £250 funding to help them progress in their chosen field. Higher Achievement Awards are also available for those demonstrating excellence, usually at national standard.

Cllr Hilary Biles, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Health at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “The Council is proud to be able to support our talented arts and sports people in this way. The funding helps with costs such as equipment, coaching or audition fees, or perhaps travel expenses and we know from previous Awards in recent years that recipients are extremely grateful for this support.”

Sixteen-year-old freestyle kickboxer Jordan Petersons, from Bampton, received a £500 Higher Achievement Award earlier this year. He used the funding to buy new kit, a kickboxing punch bag for training and to help with costs towards travelling to competitions.

Jordan won silver at the WUMA (World United Martial Arts Federation) World Championships in both individual and team events prior to receiving the Award.

His mother Sarah, who encouraged Jordan to apply for the Award, said: “The funding has been really helpful and it’s gone a long way. Since receiving the Award Jordan has moved from competing at junior to adult level and he’s still doing well. He’s as committed as ever and we’re grateful for the support he’s received from the Council.”

The deadline for Awards applications is January 22 2010. Further information, including details of criteria, guidance on how to apply and application forms, is available on the Council’s website, www.westoxon.gov.uk/grants, or by calling 01993 861080. Alternatively, email [email protected]