Aasha Kimpton and Councillor Ruth Polling

Aasha Kimpton, from Holloway, has bagged £2,000 to help cover training expenses. After receiving the grant, ten-year-old Aasha revealed how she has been inspired by Beth Tweddle, the 24-year-old gymnast who is preparing to compete for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics. Aasha said: “I watched Beth win a gold medal at the World Championships and I would so love to be like her.” Aasha’s mum, Nicole Kimpton, said: “I cannot thank Sport Islington and the Joanna Brown Trust enough for awarding Aasha this grant as it is a struggle meeting her training and competition expenses.  Aasha trains five days a week and travels 10 miles to each session as well as competing regularly at events around the country.  These expenses coupled with equipment costs soon add up.” Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Leisure, said: “We want to nurture sports talent in Islington, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Aasha. She’s been working so hard and we’ll be cheering her on all the way.” The Joanna Brown Trust was established in memory of 30-year-old Joanna Brown, a talented sports enthusiast who died in a trekking accident in Siberia in August 2008.  Helen Hagan, a trustee of The Joanna Brown Trust and a Highbury resident, said: “We are delighted to be working with SportIslington to make this award to Aasha.  Our aim is to encourage and enhance involvement in sport at all levels and Aasha’s application was chosen because we believe that the award will make a real difference to her chance to develop her talent further and realise her dreams.”

Joanna, a keen sportswoman who lived in the Highbury area of Islington, sadly died aged 30 in a trekking accident on the shores of Lake Baikal, Siberia on the 25th of August 2008. Joanna’s family and friends set up the Trust in Joanna’s name to allow more people to enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle. The Trust raises money through a variety of events and makes donations to groups and individuals to help them continue and excel within their sport. The Joanna Brown Trust wanted to award an Islington resident with a grant to help them succeed within their sport as Joanna had spent several happy years living in our borough and participating in sport in London. The Joanna Brown award for sporting excellence will be available to all Islington Residents who are striving for greatness within their chosen sport. The grant of £2000 is the largest single award that SportIslington have handed out since it’s inception in 2006. Helen Hagan, Joanna Brown Trustee and local resident added ‘Joanna loved living in Islington and making the most of the opportunities the borough gave her to participate in sport and physical activity. We believe that the award of £2000 to a deserving local sportsman or woman will enable them to maximise their talents and strive for success at the highest possible level. To apply for this one off award simply become a member online and download an Individual application form from the our funds section at the top of this page. Complete the application as recomended but remember to tick the section that allows you to apply for this grant as well as our main grant programme. The succesful applicant will be notified in October.

Sport Islington was launched in November 2006 to provide a co-ordinated voice for volunteer sector sport in Islington stimulating participation, competition and general awareness of sport and sporting opportunities in the borough. It is funded by Islington Council annually and has distributed £23,260 in the last 15 months.

Dave Ryan, Head Coach at Times Boxing Club said, ‘The tracksuits have helped the members look more presentable at shows and put them on an equal standing with other clubs. If you look smarter it instils a sense of pride and will help you box better.’

Marlon Mellish, who is studying Sport Science at City & Islington College, hopes to go professional in 3 years time and will use the award to finance his training and equipment costs. George Kean is in training full-time and has high ambitions, ‘I want to be World Champion in 8 years time.’ His first task though is to prepare for the Amateur Boxing Association Nationals on 18th April.

Presenting the Club with their cheque is Declan Hamblin, Secretary of Sport Islington. ‚It’s fantastic what Times Boxing Club is achieving not only in Regional and National Titles but in creating an opportunity for youngsters to fulfil their potential in a disciplined environment. I’m sure the Club’s members have learnt many life skills from participating in sport.‚’

Any voluntary sport club working in Islington can apply for an award, along with individuals competing at County level or above. Contact Dan Jarvis, Club Development Officer on 0207 527 1868 or at Daniel.Jarvis@islington.gov.uk for more details.

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.

Nicole Kimpton, the mother of Jayden and Aasha said, 'the kids wouldn’t be able to do all of their training without this grant, we are very, very, very, grateful!'

Jayden (12) who is at St Mary Magdelene Academy on Liverpool Road , recently came 3rd in the vault category at the National championsips. Jayden said, 'I want to compete at the Olympic games when they are in London , I will be 16 then'. Aasha (8) who is also at St Mary Magdelene Academy recently came 3rd at the Pegasus National open championships. Aasha trains five times a week and is looking forward to another successful year at regional and national level.

Presenting the pair with their cheque was Peter Jones, Treasurer of Sport Islington. 'I’ve always been a big fan of gymnastics, unfortunately when I was young I was never quite at this level. It is great to see young Islington pupils competing at such a high level and representing their borough'.

Aasha: video here
Jayden video here