Support thrown in for young Olympic hopeful (From Salisbury Journal)

Support thrown in for young Olympic hopeful

12:00pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in New Forest News

AN Olympic hopeful from Ringwood is being backed by the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS).

Phoebe Dowson, 18, is ranked second Under 20 in the UK, and is training with an eye to the 2016 Games.

Now the council is pledging further support with a grant.

Athletes receive a range of benefits including help with training, equipment, physiotherapy, grants up to £400 and travel. Free bus passes are provided from local companies Bluestar, First and Stagecoach, as well as sports science support from Southampton Solent University.

HTAS aims to help with some of the sacrifices that athletes and their families have to make and support them with their dedicated commitment to their respective sport.

At a time when costs associated with training and competition are on the increase the scheme can be a vital support on the way to European and World Championships and for some, the Olympics and Paralympics in Rio in 2016.

The scheme is seen by current and previous recipients as a much needed injection of support.

Phoebe said: “HTAS gives me free access to different training venues and most importantly the gym as I spend more time now on gym and weights work.

“The money helps with petrol, equipment and clothing.”