Stars of the future win Ribble Valley Council grant (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Stars of the future win Ribble Valley Council grant
3:00pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in News
By Jessica Cree, Education reporter
FAMILY LINK Sam Murray at the London Games
SPORTY and artistic youngsters in the Ribble Valley are set to be given grants to help them achieve their goals.
Among those listed to receive the cash are modern pentathlete Samantha Murray’s younger brothers William and Oliver.
The London 2012 Games silver medallist was also supported by the council grants from the age of 12.
The 23-year-old from Clitheroe said: “The grant was always a massive incentive and much appreciated considering the financial side that sport can bring in terms of equipment and fuel.
“I was really grateful for it and it is such a good thing for the community to identify young talented people and to support them.
“It can be really difficult going to training and practicing alongside your school work.
“I am so proud I was part of it.”
William, 15, has represented England at swimming and also qualified for the British Open Swimming Championships.
And 14-year-old Oliver is following in his big sister’s footsteps by competing in the pentathlon.
He has achieved top 10 places in national pentathlon and tetrathlon championships.
Grants of up to £150 are also set to be given to 29 youngsters who are involved in dance, music, singing and drama as well as 16 young sportsmen and women.
Michael Ranson, leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: “It is a wonderful opportunity that we have to give them. It is a nice opportunity for us to support them in what they want to pursue. It is not a lot of money but it will be a few train fares or petrol money to various venues.
“I am delighted that the council can still afford to do this.”
In total, £3,500 will be issued in arts excellence grants and £3,400 will be given to the borough’s future sporting stars.
