2020/21 GO GOLD Funding Programme now open!

The 2020/21 GO GOLD Funding Programme is now open for applications until 31^st December 2019 Alongside our partners, Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport are once again pleased to support talented individuals through the GO GOLD Funding Programme.

The aim of GO GOLD is to support local talented athletes in full-time education who are being recognised by their National Governing Bodies as being our future Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth athletes and potential medal winners. In 2019/20 GO GOLD supported 58 athletes from 17 different sports.

The programme supports athletes competing at Regional (East Midlands), National or International Level in an Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth or World Championship discipline.

Application criteria:

• Athletes should be in secondary school age education as a minimum.
• Athletes should be 14-23 years by 31 December 2019.
• Athletes who are 11-13 years may apply if competing at National/International Level.
• Athletes must live in Leicestershire, Leicester or Rutland and attend the local education system. If athletes are currently studying away at College/University, their parent's/non term time address should be in Leicestershire, Leicester or Rutland.
• All applicants must be in full time education
• Athletes must be competing at County, Regional, National or International Level
• This year GO GOLD will be operating a means testing system and in order to financially support those athletes who can demonstrate a financial need for the funding. Athletes will be asked to list how they intend to spend the funding, and how the financial support provided by GO GOLD will be valuable to their progression. Household income will be considered but will not be the only measure considered.

GO GOLD is now working in partnership with 'Everyone Active Sporting Champions'. As a result, those athletes who are unsuccessful with financial support from Go Gold may be eligible to receive financial support and/or free leisure centre access from Everyone Active. Relevant applications will be forwarded on for consideration. Similarly, applications may be forwarded on to the athlete's local authority for local grant consideration.

The programme is funded by Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council. All eligible applicants will be considered by a panel made up of specialists across the county.

Successful athletes will be awarded at a Presentation Evening in April 2020, receive 12 months Leisure Centre access, further training opportunities and their own online blog to showcase their progression.

These GO GOLD athletes supported during 2019/20, achieved fantastic results in their sport over the last 12 months:

Ben Dijkstra: European U23 Triathlon Champion, Valencia (Charnwood)

In September Ben finished 8^th at the U23 World Championships in Lausanne, then two weeks later followed that up with victory and gold medal at the Europeans in Spain.

"I have been really fortunate to have been receiving support from the GO GOLD Programme for a few years, it has been incredible to see the talent of the supported athletes grow and I am tremendously appreciative of the support the programme has given me. From when I first received support in 2012 when I was competing at a regional U15 level in athletics & cross country to being crowned European U23 Triathlon Champion this year and also double World Junior Bronze Medallist in 2016 and 2017, it has been a privilege to share this journey so far with LRS (Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport)."

Lucy Robinson: Bronze Medal at U25 Women's Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, Thailand (Leicester)

Lucy was selected for the 10-day tournament in May and after a narrow defeat by Australia in the semi-final, Lucy and her team-mates beat Japan to secure 3^rd place.

Lucy says "Go Gold has enabled me to succeed without being held back. I particularly have enjoyed having the gym/leisure centre access when I'm home as it means my training isn't impacted when I am not in Sheffield; taking the stress off when I come home. This particularly helped when I was home for summer whilst training for the U24 Wheelchair Basketball world championships, as it meant that I could still get the gym work I needed to whilst I was home!"

Michaella Glenister: British National Junior Champion (400m Individual Medley)

Bronze at World Junior Championships 400m IM, Selected for the British Swimming World Class Programme (Blaby)

"Thank you for the support over the past few years. It's really helped me to get where I am today. The gym membership has been really useful and the funding has helped with travel and competition, especially for international meets."

Vinny Huczmann (Leicester) European Junior Championships Bronze Medallist Middleweight (75 kg)

"Go Gold has helped me achieve my goals because without boxing I'd feel lost. GO GOLD has supported me with my boxing equipment, training gear and provides me with the opportunity to compete locally as well as internationally such as boxing for England in the European Championships. It's great to think that somebody believes in me through seeing my achievements. Boxing isn't only about competing, boxing has helped me develop my social skills and meet people every day."

For more information and how to apply visit www.lrsport.org/gogoldor follow #GOGOLD