22nd November 2007
The Youth Sport Trust has announced the names of the first young athletes who will receive funding as part of its “Believe to Achieve with Kelly Holmes” scholarship programme.
The “Believe to Achieve with Kelly” scholarship programme will provide both financial help and lifestyle management support to 91 up-and-coming athletes across a variety of sports, including athletics, canoeing and triathlon.
The scheme has also been extended to include some of the country’s most promising young coaches, the first scholarship scheme of its kind to offer such support.
Dame Kelly said: “I faced many challenges, set backs and disappointments on my pathway to double Olympic gold, but it was the support of people around me that kept me pushing towards my goal. I hope this scholarship scheme will go some way to allowing each of the athletes and the coaches to continue striving towards their ultimate sporting dream.”
One of the Scholars, talented coach Amber-Leigh Cunningham said: “It’s great that the “Believe to Achieve with Kelly” scholarship programme also supports coaches as well as the athletes. I am really passionate about coaching and helping others become the best they can be so getting support from Kelly and the Youth Sport Trust will hopefully help me gain the qualifications and experience I need to be an elite coach.”
Steve Grainger, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust –- said: “We would like to congratulate all the “Believe to Achieve with Kelly” scholars and wish them every success with their sport. With the Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to London in 2012 and Glasgow hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014, the Youth Sport Trust is fully committed to supporting our talented young athletes. We will be working closely with the National Governing Bodies of Sport to help these talented youngsters manage their educational commitments alongside the demands of training and competition."
The scholars were selected by the Youth Sport Trust after being put forward by their respective sport’s National Governing Body and will receive funding which can be used for: Sporting equipment, Training costs or fees, Travel and accommodation costs for training and competition and Sports science and medicine support.
Click here to see full list of the Believe to Achieve Scholars.