John & Sinead Kerr - TAP award

Monday 15 March 2004

Following their impressive tenth place at the European Championships in Budapest last month, sportscotland has met recently with ice skaters John and Sinead Kerr along with a representative of the National Ice Skating Association of UK (NISA) to discuss their application for funding from the Talented Athlete Programme and their ongoing performance plan towards the 2006/ 2010 Olympic Winter Games

As their performance level has now significantly improved beyond the level set in last year’s targets, they have been awarded a total of £4,750.00 to support them through to the end of the season, helping them with preparations and competition costs in the run-up to this month’s World Championships. A top-18 finish is the agreed target, which will make them eligible to apply for funding for next year.

Commenting Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland said: “We will never be able to fund all talented athletes in all sports. With limited funds available it is essential that we have a criteria based process for everyone to be measured against and that athletes understand what they must achieve to receive an award.

“However I am delighted that the Kerrs have made significant strides forward this season, which justifies reviewing their case and giving them an award through to the end of the season. We hope this will help them fine tune their preparations for the forthcoming World Championships. We wish them well and hope they can build on their recent success at the Europeans.”

Acknowledging the award John and Sinead Kerr said: “We are delighted that sportscotland has given us this award and we will be doing our utmost to achieve a top-18 finish at the World Championships in Dortmund, and thus justify the level of sportscotland's support.”

NISA will be working closely with John and Sinead to help them develop an appropriate performance plan to help them realise their potential in the long-term. Keith Horton, General Secretary said: “ I am extremely pleased that sportscotland has been able to recognise the recent performances of John and Sinead at the European Championships. I look forward to a continued good working relationship as we develop the long term goals linked to the production of a formal six year performance plan that will take John and Sinead through to the 2010 Olympics.“