27 February 2008
Waterskiscotland were celebrating today as sportscotland announced a £40,121 funding package for the sport.
With Nicole Arthur leaving the competition in her wake and membership figures increasing, waterskiing in Scotland has much to be proud of.
Waterskiscotland’s biggest success story, 20 year old Nicole, from Slamannan in the Forth Valley was crowned U21 world champion at the recent World Championships in Chile and in doing so became the first water skier to have secured world titles at every age category. Nicole was also recognised by the Sunday Times as ‘one to watch’ receiving a Sportswomen of the Year Champions Award.
Nicole is a Central Institute of Sport supported athlete, working with their strength and conditioning coaches to ensure that she is in peak condition and able to compete at the top level.
The funding announced today will not only provide support for the performance end of the sport, but will also be used to strengthen development at grassroots level. In April 2007 Waterskiscotland launched their youth training programme and have already recorded an increase in membership of 20% across five clubs.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive sportscotland said: “It is fantastic to see the significant impact that Nicole Arthur is making at GB and world level. She is a real inspiration for young water skiers across Scotland.
“To capitalise on that, Waterskiscotland have put in place an excellent youth training programme to ensure that Scotland’s aspiring young water skiers also have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. I am delighted that our funding will support the development of the sport and look forward to seeing more Scots achieving success on the water.”
Welcoming the investment, Alan Murray the National Co-ordinator for Waterskiscotland said: “This is fantastic news not only for our performance athletes where it will make a big difference to their training and competition programmes but it will also will have a positive impact right across the sport in Scotland. Our very successful Youth Training Programme which is in it’s second year also benefits greatly from sportscotland’s support and expertise and we look forward to many more podium placings.
- In 2007 sportscotland invested over £10 million in 54 sports governing bodies.
- The £40,212 investment in Waterskiscotland is made up of £17,500 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund and £22,712 from sportscotland Exchequer funding from the Scottish Government.