Rising star’s grant aid

A talented athlete from Welshpool has been awarded funding to help reach her sporting potential.

13-year-old Adele Nicoll is climbing the ranks in both shot put, discuss and pentathlon competitions. She is in the top top 10 UK rankings for her age group in all three competitions. The Welshpool High School pupil has also recently broken the Under 15 Welsh Indoor Shot record which has stood since 1989.

Adele is the first recipient to receive the full £200 Athlete Support Grant from the Montgomeryshire Sports Council. This new grant scheme is open to athletes living in Montgomeryshire who have qualified or been selected to compete at national level or above in a sport recognised by Sports Wales.

A grant of up to £200 can be used for equipment, competition expenses and coaching costs. The grant scheme is administered by Powys County Councils Sports Development team and applications are assessed by a panel who meet twice a year.

Adele will use her funding towards travel expenses, equipment, top level coaching and training, and accommodation costs.

15 Montgomeryshire athletes received an Athlete Support Grant in the first round of funding applications. In total, £1350 was awarded to candidates in a range of sports from bowls, triathletes, athletics, rugby players and freestyle wrestlers.

For an application form telephone 01686 614060 or email katie.hamer@powys.gov.uk. The deadline for the next round of applications is March 31 2011.