A new initiative forming a partnership between Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland and SportsAid, will help to create Olympic champions out of talented and committed young sports men and women, by providing them with the financial support that they need and deserve to fulfil their sporting potential.
The recent British performance at the World Athletic Championships in Edmonton, Canada, proved to be disappointing, with only two medals brought home and a dismal 18th place on the medals board. SportsAid, a charity which supports young talented sports people, suggests that the reason why we didn't see enough medals was because of the lack of investment at the grass roots of athletics, it takes more than just ability. The new initiative between SportsAid and Rotary, is hoping to reverse this trend, and make champions out of future Olympic hopefuls.
Rotary Clubs are working with SportsAid to provide grants for talented sports people in their districts to pay for sports equipment, development, coaching or travel. SportsAid identifies an individual and invites their local Rotary Club to provide financial support. The grants are normally around £250, and the young hopefuls come from a variety of backgrounds, including those with disabilities. As the National Lottery declines in popularity, SportsAid and Rotary will be able to offer more people the chance to fulfil their sporting dreams.
Sir Steve Redgrave CBE commented, ' I have been involved with SportsAid for 20 years and this partnership, between SportsAid and Rotary is, without doubt, one of the most exciting funding initiatives that I have ever seen. Rotary Clubs sit at the very heart of their communities so who better to support a community's outstanding sporting talent? This scheme could have a terrific impact on the lives of thousands of young people and I wish Rotary and SportsAid every success with their partnership'.
David Liddiatt, Rotary President 2001-2002, said, 'Rotary is always seeking to support the celebration of achievements by young people, and here is an excellent way to encourage, recognise and reward young sporting talent. I hope that this partnership will develop into one of the most significant funding programmes in the history of sport in Britain and Ireland'.
For further information on the partnership, visit the Rotary International website, www.rotary-ribi.org, or contact Rotarian Ken Charles on 01223 207213.
Issued on behalf of Robin Freeman Secretary Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland Telephone 01789 765411 www.rotary-ribi.org
For further details about this press release, please contact Judith Diment, HBL Media on: 01628 418133 or 07860162313, or email judith@hblmedia.com
Notes to Editors
1. Rotary is an organisation of businesses and professional persons united world-wide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. Their motto is: Service above Self.
2. For general information on Rotary in your area, contact the local Rotary Club President. Details from Robin Freeman: 01789 765411 www.rotary-ribi.org
3. SportsAid, the Charity for Sport - An independent network of charities covering the entire United Kingdom, SportsAid is an organisation deidicated to ensuring that young sporting talent is recognsied. Working closely with the national governing bodies of British sports, SportsAid is an acknowledged expert in the identification of young people who both deserve and need financial support to fulfil their sporting potential.
4. Rotary is involved in a range of other youth initiatives. These include;
Youth Camps and Tours, Kids Out, the Technology Tournament, Youth Speaks, Youth
Leadership Award, Youth Exchange programme and the Young Musician Award. For
further information visit the youth activities page on the Rotary website (www.rotary-ribi.org)