This scheme is fantastic for local athletes with potential to represent Team GB in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It offers grants of £500 to successful applicants, which are hugely beneficial in helping with expenses such as training, travel to competitions and the purchase of essential equipment.

Athletes who successfully receive sponsorship are linked as a "Sporting Champion" with the Colchester Blackwater-Schools Sports Partnership, as a role model and inspiration to local schoolchildren.

Colchester 2020 Local Strategic Partnership, NHS North East Essex and Reader Offers Ltd kindly made contributions to the 2010 scheme and I hope other businesses will support the scheme for 2011.

The scheme for 2011 is now closed.

You can find out more about the scheme by selecting the menu options to the left.