Target for Success

Commonwealth games gold medallist Allyn Condon made presentations worth £3,000 to talented young sportsmen and women in Halton.

He handed out grants from Halton Council's Target Excellence Scheme, which helped him develop his own athletic career.

Council Sports Development Officer Justin Hill said :"The scheme has helped local athletes achieve their full potential. It is fantastic that Allyn, a successful applicant reached the top level, is coming back to boost the profile of the scheme".

Target excellence was set up in 1992 to promote and encourage higher levels of sports performance in the borough. It is sponsored by ICI Chlor-Chemicals.

The fund, which has awarded more than 100 grants, assists local sportsmen/women and coaches who have reached county level and above or are aiming to reach this level in the next two years.

John Sanders, ICI Community Relations Officer, said "The recipients really do appreciate the help they receive. We are delighted to sponsor, such an excellent scheme which is well established, has a good reputation and achieves fantastic results".

All sports are eligible and there is no age limit. Grants can be spent on a variety of needs at excellence level; including on-going specialist training or courses at centres of excellence, specialist equipment, access to sports scientists and travel subsidy.

Applicants must say what their goals are, give details of any other grant aid they have received, the cost of training and how much they will be contributing themselves.

A panel of representatives from Halton Council and ICI consider applications in consultation with the national governing body for the relevant sport.

The scheme now links into national programme, as the English Sports Council has set up its new World Class Performers scheme which awards grants to sportsmen and women with the potential to win medals at international level.

The World, Runcorn, NW

For enquiries contact the Press Office:

Craig Welsh
Telephone: 01928 511528
Fax: 01928 569459
Email: craig.welsh@ineoschlor.com