Sporting chance for local youngsters (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Sporting chance for local youngsters

10:00am Saturday 4th September 2010 in

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YOUNG people in the Bridgwater area are being encouraged to nominate themselves for a special sporting award. The Team Somerset 500 Club Young Sports Achiever of the Year award aims to inspire young people and recognise great achievements made through sport.

The competition is open to all young people in Somerset, aged between 14 and 18, and is being held annually in the run-up to London 2012.

The awards are sponsored by Avon and Somerset Police and organised by the Team Somerset 500 Club, which is part of the Somerset Community Foundation charity.

The main aim of the competition is to reduce problems like anti-social behaviour, obesity, drugs and alcohol.

A spokesman for the awards said: “For example, the individual may have achieved a personal best through sheer dedication and determination, or perhaps taken part in a sporting activity which has helped them to overcome personal problems.

“They may have supported others in sport and helped to build a successful team - the scope of the competition is very wide and people of all abilities are encouraged to enter.”

The Somerset Community Foundation is aiming to raise £1million by recruiting 500 businesses to pledge £500 or more each year up to 2012 to help and support young athletes of all abilities.

This year at least 24 top young athletes in Somerset will receive grants from the organisation.

Alan Gloak, chairman of Team Somerset 500 Club, said: "The response to the initiative has been brilliant so far.

"This is all about celebrating and rewarding young people's achievements through sport.

“We have so many talented athletes in Somerset, so now is the time to come forward and share your story."

Nominations for the award can be made until December 10.

There will be trophies and cash prizes for the winners and runners-up, who will be presented with their awards at a ceremony in February 2011.

Details of how to enter can be found by clicking on the link by this story.