Grants given to two future sporting stars from Sandwell
Two future sporting stars have picked up grants from a council to help them fulfil their dreams.
Christopher Gardner, 17, and 13-year-old Leo Handy were presented with £500 each by Sandwell's cabinet member for leisure Richard Marshall.
Chris, from Tividale, aims to become a hockey international and Leo is working towards becoming a member of the Great Britain weightlifting squad.
Councillor Marshall said: “We know what sacrifices young people have to make to reach the top in any sport – and the sacrifices their families make too in terms of travelling, accommodation and dedicating their own time.
“So even though it’s Chris and Leo who we are supporting, I’m also very aware of the support they get from their families and we want to help through our 'Gifted and Talented' grant scheme.
“Chris and Leo are fantastic role models for their peers and we hope will one day soon be putting Sandwell on the sporting map.”
Leo, from Oldbury, is already a multiple champion having won the British Schools Olympic Weightlifting competition for the past three years.
He recently achieved two personal bests whilst competing at a competition in Derbyshire – lifting 37kg in the snatch and 50kg in the clean and jerk.
And his aim is to become a member of the Great Britain squad.
Rising hockey star Chris has already been selected to play in the Great Britain Colleges hockey team.
The 17-year-old has also played for the Ireland under-18 national team and hopes to continue developing and establish himself as an international player.
Earlier this year, Chris represented the West Midlands Men’s Hockey (Association of Colleges) team which won a gold medal at the AOC National Championships.
The 'Gifted and Talented' scheme has been set up to provide financial support to elite young athletes living in the Sandwell.
Anyone living in the borough and competing at top level should visit sandwell.gov.uk/giftedandtalented for more information about the grants available.
