Future sports stars get cash boost

New Stevenston athlete Colette Martin and Uddingston rugby player Mike Kerr have both received a £1,000 cash injection towards training and competing.

They joined 80 other recipients Glasgow Scotstoun Leisure Centre to receive advice on pursuing their sporting dreams from three-time Olympic rowing silver medallist Katherine Grainger and triple-jump legend Jonathan Edwards.

Martin, who celebrated her 17th birthday last week, competes over 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m and hopes one day to star at the Paralympics.

She said: “It feels really good that I’ve been recognised just for doing my sport so it’s great to be involved. It’s really interesting to hear from former Olympians about their experiences and its all good advice, and the financial help always comes in handy so it’s a good scheme to be on.”

This is the second year in a row Mike (28), who plays for the North-East Bulls, has received funding and has his sights set on being selected for the European Championships in Switzerland this October.

He said: “It’s really good to be back on the scheme, it’s nice to have my achievements recognised and receiving more funding will help towards equipment and travelling.

“It’s a really expensive sport to play because it’s all specialist equipment so the funding really helps, it’s a massive boost.”

Full story in April 7 edition of Times & Speaker