Go Gold funding scheme launched for 2020/21 athletes

LEICESTER-SHIRE & Rutland Sport has launched its GO GOLD Funding Programme for 2020/21 aiming to support local athletes in full-time education tipped as future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth potential medal winners.

Last year the scheme supported 58 athletes from 17 different sports, including 15 in the Charnwood area headlined by triathlete Ben Dijkstra who was crowned the European U23 Triathlon Champion in Valencia.

Dijkstra said: “I have been really fortunate to have been receiving support from the GO GOLD Programme for a few years, it has been incredible to see the talent of the supported athletes grow and I am tremendously appreciative of the support the programme has given me. From when I first received support in 2012 when I was competing at a regional U15 level in athletics & cross country to being crowned European U23 Triathlon Champion this year. and also double World Junior Bronze Medallist in 2016 and 2017, it has been a privilege to share this journey so far with LRS.”

Geoff Maltby, Sports Development Manager at Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport said: “I am delighted that the GO GOLD programme is able to continue again this year and we are grateful to Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council for their funding contributions to the programme. I am especially proud of the changes we have made to the new criteria, ensuring that we focus our financial support to those most at need, to help them achieve their aspirations in competitive sport.”

Applicants should be in secondary school age education as a minimum and be 14-23 years-old by December 31, 2019. Athletes who are 11-13 years may apply if competing at National/ International Level.

For more information and how to apply visit www.lrsport.org/gogold or follow #GOGOLD