‘Go Gold’ grant awards

NINETEEN rising sports stars from Charnwood have been awarded ‘Go Gold’ grants from Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport (LRS).

They were among 75 youngsters across the county who received grants ranging from £250 to £1,000 as well as free leisure passes to their local leisure centre, to support their training programme. The funding is desinged to help towards travel, accommodation, kit and equipment.

One of the recipients was Charnwood swimmer William Bell who was presented with the Chairman’s Trophy, recognised for his rapid improvements in time and records in the swimming pool.

“I am honoured to have been awarded the Chairman’s Trophy for most improved sporting performance. I had a great season in 2015/2016 and will work hard to make sure I continue to improve this 2016/2017 season.”

Charnwood winners

• Adam Hames (Bobsleigh)

Ranked 4th in the World Monobob Series. Selected to compete at the British Championships in Austria in the 2-man sled

• Adam Wilkes (Swimming)

ASA National Champion 100m backstroke, 9th in 200m backstroke at British Nationals

• Alec Gregory (Cycling)

Placed first in the national mountain bike series race, place on the mountain bike Olympic development academy

• Alex Haines (Cycling)

East Midlands road champion, selected by British Cycling to be a GB Olympic apprentice

• Anna Chesca (Tennis)

Top 10 player ranked nationally for U16 girls, Runner-up in AEGON British Tour Nottingham

• April Tacey (Cycling)

Third National Youth Circuit Series, 1st GHS National 10 mile TT Championships

• Ben Dijkstra (Triathlon)

World Junior Triathlon Championships bronze medallist, British Junior Triathlon champion

• Harriet Swindells (Basketball)

Member of England U18 team in European Championships, represented Charnwood College and England in the World Schools 3 on 3 championships and won bronze

• Harriet Victoria Cooper (Swimming)

Bronze in 100m backstroke at World Cup Series Dubai, Gold medal in 200m freestyle at Ontario Junior International

• Isla Lees (Gymnastics)

Fourth best 12 year old gymnast in GB, passed her compulsory level 1, making her an official Elite British Gymnast

• James Teagle (Triathlon)

Senior Elite European Triathlon Union Cup final – 8th position

• Megan Rose Morrison (Swimming)

British summer National medallist in 50m breastroke

• Michaella Jade Glenister (Swimming)

European Youth Champion in Luxembourg international, Won open water nationals

• Olivia Back (Hockey)

National Age Group Squad Under 17s, part of successful under 16s club at Leicester Ladies making the indoor and outdoor national finals

• Sam Stevens (Athletics)

English Schools national 3000m champion 2016, selected to run for England twice in Cardiff and Belgium

• Tre Thomas (Athletics)

Indoor England Athletics National Champion U17 60m hurdles, bronze Medal 100m Hurdles at English Schools.

• Victoria Johnson (Athletics)

Ranked 2nd in the UK for U15 girls 75m hurdles, second at English Schools

• William Bell (Swimming)

British national champion in four events at British Summer Champs, six golds at Scottish National Age Group Championships

• Zoe King (Badminton)

Bronze medal U17 National Championships (ladies doubles), captain of Leicestershire inter county U17 team (5th in country).