Festive funding for young talent

Wednesday 18 December

Christmas has come early for Snowsport Scotland, the National Governing Body for all snow sports as it celebrates its fifth year of funding today with the announcement of £40,000 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund's Junior Groups Programme.

Snowsport Scotland will use their award to support 27 athletes participate in competitions, speed and technical camps, fitness training and assessment sessions. Jonathan Marshall, Head Coach of Scottish Alpine Ski Team said: "This programme has facilitated the first ever speed camp in Norway for a week in November, alongside some of the best Europa Cup teams. The athletes are now in Canada and USA for 25 days of training and competition. This will be the biggest ever race series for Scottish athletes at this level. The athletes have responded by skiing well and we are looking forward to some good results this winter."

Operational for nearly 40 years, Snowsport Scotland aims to develop the sport in Scotland by providing young alpine skiers and snowboarders with the opportunity to receive high level coaching and appropriate competition in a structured environment.

Bruce Crawford, Development Manager of Snowsport Scotland, said: "The system in place for Scottish snowsport athletes is improving all the time and this programme has been a huge catalyst."

The Scottish Archery Association is also celebrating the first year of funding with an award of £5,377 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund. The award will support the newly formed Elite National Squad and the Junior Elite Cadet Squad and assist the sport in general to develop across Scotland.

Moira Taylor, Junior Squad Co-ordinator, said: "The Scottish Archery Association is very grateful for the support of the sportscotland Lottery Fund - this award will make a real impact on the training opportunities we are able to offer junior archers in Scotland, in line with our Junior Development Programme."

Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: "The Junior groups Programme is vital to national and regional groups as it financially supports talented young athletes and allows them to progress forward in their training so they reach their full potential.

"Sport is a great way for people to meet and socialise as well as keeping fit. One of sportscotland's visions is to encourage children to participate in sporting activities at a young age, in order for it to become part of their lifestyle as adults, so we have a healthier Scotland for the future."

• Junior Groups Programmes provide support to groups of talented young people participating in a co-ordinated programme of coaching and competitive events over a minimum period of six months.
• Those eligible to apply for support are governing bodies of sport through the National Programme and local authorities through the Regional Programme.
• Applications for the following costs are considered for funding: facility hire, coaching fees, accommodation, travel, equipment and competition entry fees.