Golf young achiever urges under 18s to apply for new sports award

Rising golf star Calum Slowther, aged 16, has urged young people to apply for a new council grant towards their sports costs.

Calum, of Framingham Pigot, made his call after deciding to apply for a South Norfolk Council Community Sports Achievers Award.

The award offers anyone in South Norfolk, aged under 18 and in competitive sport, cash grants depending on their level of competition. The grants are up to £200 for county level competition, up to £300 for regional, and up to £400 for national level.

That age limit is extended to 25 years or under for those wishing to apply for a disabled achievers award.

The grants are targeted at cutting the costs of competing or performing, the costs of coaching qualifications when used to benefit voluntary clubs, and the costs of training courses or equipment.

Calum said:

“The toughest time for someone like me is right at the beginning of their sports career when money is tight and it’s an extra struggle to compete as a result. What you need at this time is help which just takes away some of that worry and let’s you focus on your sport, and on winning.

“I think this help is especially important for sports like skiing or rowing which require lots of equipment and big expenses."

Calum, who has been playing golf since he was ten years old, has clubs and equipment which have cost him around £2,000. This year, in county competitions against golf teams in the South East he was picked for every one of the five teams put together by the Norfolk County Golf Union.

Cllr Jane Walker, who leads for South Norfolk Council on culture, leisure and sport, praised Calum for his support for the new awards.

“We are delighted to offer this award to those young people who have reached a point of excellence in their sport. We are keen for all young people to be fit and healthy but we believe these special achievers should get some recognition for their efforts.

"An award from this council will go a little way toward the many expenses incurred when competing at county, regional and national levels."

She added:

“The Olympics are just around the corner, and if we are going to compete and win, we must support our young people now.

"How many young people must have given up, not because they weren’t good enough, but simply through a lack of the right support at the right time?”

Applicants who are successful will also be asked to support a South Norfolk Council sporting event, so that other young people in the community will be inspired. Within six months of receiving the award, they will also be asked to provide a detailed report describing what the grant has been used for.

Young applicants, who will need a letter of support from their sports governing body, must have their forms in between 1 January and 14 February 2007. If they are successful, the Award will be presented at a special ceremony in March next year.

A panel of local sports representatives, along with council officers from Leisure Services, will assess applications against the five priorities and objectives of South Norfolk Leisure, Culture and Countryside Services:

- Creating Stronger, Safer and Healthier communities; - Increasing Economic Vitality; - Enabling high quality, Value for Money Services and facilities; - Increasing Participation and Customer Satisfaction; - Increasing Opportunities for Older People, Children and Young People

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