Highland athletes celebrate funding to help them compete at highest levels
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TALENTED athletes from all over the Highlands have come together to hail a scheme which helps them access training and competitions outside the region.
The athletes were in Inverness last Friday to attend the launch of this year’s Athlete Travel Award Scheme. The initiative, which was set up in 2020, provides funding and support for 17 athletes in the region across 12 different sports.
It helps fund them to attend training facilities outwith the area that they otherwise would be unable to access locally. It also helps to fund their access to competitions at regional, national and international level.
In attendance at the launch event was MSP Kate Forbes, MP Drew Hendry, and Highland Council vice-convener, Councillor Ken Gowans.
Following the event, Kate Forbes, who represents Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency said, “I was hugely impressed by the young athletes I met. They personify determination and drive. We are exceptionally proud of their achievements in the Highlands.
“I hope to see many more young athletes follow in their footsteps, performing at the highest possible level nationally and internationally.”
Drew Hendry, who is MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch, and Strathspey, added: “I’m delighted that the Athlete Travel Award Scheme is running again this year, to support our future sports stars here in the Highlands. Athletes here should have every opportunity to achieve their goals and ambitions, and this scheme will help them do exactly that.
“It was fantastic to be at the launch on Friday, and I very much look forward to seeing the positive impact that this scheme will have. These athletes are brilliant role models for young people across the Highlands, and it’s great to see them being supported through the work of High Life Highland and Sportscotland.
“I very much look forward to following their successes and wish them every luck in their upcoming competitions.”
Cllr Gowans said: “I was pleased to attend the launch of this important funding scheme that will see young athletes financially supported with their travel costs around the country. These future sports performers were inspirational and considering the successes they have already achieved; they are excellent role models to other young people across the Highlands.”
The scheme is funded by sportscotland and administered through High Life Highland and is designed to support athletes where often they face considerable barriers of costs associated with travelling to other locations around the country.
In further support to the Highland’s rising sports stars, and on the basis that High Life Highland manages the fund, the charity has also awarded all scheme athletes free highlife membership.
