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Olympic Pair's Tips
for 2012 Hopefuls
TWO Olympic medallists gave a pep talk to a clutch of youngsters hoping to track their path to glory. And they couldn't believe just how many there were.
Beijing Paralympic golden girl Rachel Morris (at right below) and Kate Allenby, who won bronze in the modern pentathlon at Sydney, inspired a group of Sport Godalming's Go for Gold hopefuls at a presentation at Charterhouse Sports Club last week (28th February 2009).
Photo: Phil Kemp
The 13 young sportsmen and women have all received £700 grants from the second tranche of a unique fund set up last year by the forward-thinking Sport Godalming committee, aimed at giving financial help to potential 2012 Olympic competitors from the town and its surrounding villages.
Those receiving grants on the recommendation of an independent panel are athletes Adelle Tracey, Jordan Huggins and Chris Scott, fencers Nikki Barlow, Liz Ng, Toby Lee, Grace Stafford and Alek Makucewicz, flat water kayakers Matt Welch and Paul Wycherley, sailor Mary Fenton-Jones, ice hockey player Ryan Webb and basketball's Henry Wilkins.
In presenting the cheques, Sport Godalming chairman David Anderson said: "This is a gift to you from your community. I hope it demonstrates how proud we are of what you have achieved."
Morris, who lives in Farnham and won a hand-cycling gold medal in September, joined Allenby last Wednesday to address the group.
Photo: Phil Kemp
Sport Godalming secretary Bill Braid explained: "They told all our budding athletes that it is possible to reach the top of your game if you have the right application."
And he went on: "Both commented on how amazed they were at the quality of those going for gold and the range of sports that they represent from such a small town."
In an interactive session the grant recipients shared experiences with Morris and Allenby, who warned them about the journey ahead and the barriers they would face.
"Having got the feel of an Olympic medal they left inspired wanting a piece of the action themselves," added Braid.
Fundraising for the Go for Gold scheme continues with details of how you can support it at www.sportgodalming. org.uk.
Surrey Advertiser Sport
March 2009
