The first recipient of our new awards scheme
Olympic hopeful Harry makes a splash with our new awards scheme.
A talented teenage swimmer from Islington is one step closer to achieving his Olympic dream. Harry Needs, from EC1, is the first sportsman to receive the new SportIslington and SportsAid joint grant to help pay for vital expenses and training.
The 16-year-old has received £1,000 from Sport Islington, a voluntary organisation funded by Islington Council and SportsAid, a national charity dedicated to supporting talented young athletes. Harry said: “It’s one thing having the ability to succeed – but it’s quite another actually footing all the bills for travelling around the country to competitions, training and events. This grant makes a huge difference for people like me, and means I’m one step closer to achieving my goal of representing Britain in the 2012 Olympics.” Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, said: “People like Harry are an inspiration to us all and deserve all the help they can get to achieve their dreams. I wish him every success for his future sporting career.” SportsAid Chief Executive Tim Lawler said: "This is a great partnership for SportsAid and it highlights the unique role that we play in helping the right athletes at the right time. It also demonstrates the commitment Islington Council has to supporting the 2012 vision, helping to inspire and encourage young people to get involved in sport." This is the first grant issued under a new scheme created by SportIslington and SportsAid, which aims to help young people participating at a National level within their sport.