Follow In The Footsteps Of Rio Stars By Applying For ICON Programme

Are you a high-performing athlete ambitious to match the achievements of Olympians Adam Peaty, Liam Pitchford and Mollie Renshaw and Paralympian Lewis White?

If so, Derbyshire’s ICON bursary programme, now open for 2016-17 applications, could help you reach the top, whatever your sport.

All four athletes are going to Rio this summer and have been financially supported by the scheme at one point or another during their careers.

They have also received free leisure passes in the district or borough where they train and been given valuable PR exposure.

Amber Valley and Erewash AC athlete Jess Turner, who recently won a silver medal at the senior British Athletics Championships in the 400m hurdles, was on the ICON programme in 2015-16.

The 20-year-old, from Denby, said: “ICON has really supported me in my development as an elite athlete, especially competing at international competitions, which doesn’t come cheap.

“I have used the support for travel expenses, which is hugely valuable for me to be able to go to high quality races, as well as travel to physio appointments. It’s also great to have access to local gym facilities on my doorstep.”

There were 127 athletes awarded bursaries totalling £23,150 on the 2015-16 ICON programme, run by Derbyshire Sport.

That was made possible by the contributions of all 10 Derbyshire local authorities, including Amber Valley Borough Council, plus a number of business members from across the county.

Each successful applicant must live in one of the county’s nine districts or compete for a Derbyshire-based club and must already compete at a high level to qualify.

All should already be representing their country or Great Britain, have won a national championship medal, or be part of a recognised development squad or a development squad aligned to a professional sports club, or have been selected for the Derbyshire Institute of Sport.

Their sport must be recognised by Sport England for an application to be successful. The closing date for applications is Friday September 9.

Go to www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/icon-applications to make your application.

If you are interested in becoming an ICON business member and supporting the next generation of Derbyshire stars, please call Katie Crockett on 01773 571224 or email katie.crockett@derbyshire.co.uk