February 29, 2012 10.56 am This story is over 144 months old

Lincoln sportspeople join county Elite Athlete Programme

New athletes The LEAP project welcomed 17 new sports people at an award ceremony last week.

Rower Emma Tonner from North Hykeham, one of 17 local hopefuls

Seventeen people from Lincoln and the surrounding areas have become members on the Lincolnshire Elite Athlete Programme (LEAP).

At an event at The Showroom last week, the group were awarded special level awards, depending on recent achievements and future potential, by Olympian and canoeist Laurence Oliver.

Overall, 61 athletes for across the county were awarded their level achievements by LEAP.

North Hykeham kayaker Emma Tonner said: “LEAP is a good means of providing recognition for our achievements and it offers great support.”

LEAP, managed by Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, aims to support and provide funding to athletes within the county looking to become Olympians or Paralympians.

LEAP athletes receive between £100 and £1,000 in funding depending on their level. Up to £20,000 will be distributed between LEAP members this year.

Funding comes through the likes of Lincolnshire County Council, University of Lincoln, SportsAid, Adam Gibbon’s Sport Foundation Fund, Mundy’s, Soper of Lincoln and Lincolnshire Sports Partnership’s Corporate Club members.

Rachel Belcher, LEAP Project Officer said: “We are delighted to have so many athletes from Lincoln on LEAP this year and look forward to seeing how they progress throughout the next 12 months.

“LEAP hopes to give athletes across the county access to funding and support at Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, so we really hope that all 17 athletes from Lincoln benefit from this.”

Source: Lincolnshire Sports Partnership