Council Sports Grants Help Local Athletes

Sports clubs and individual athletes from across the district gathered this week to welcome more than £3,000 in grants from Dover District Council to help with sports equipment and the costs of coaching and competing and holding events.

Grants have been made over the last year and have been administered by DDC with the Dover District Sports Council, which assesses the applications and makes recommendations to DDC Cabinet. Grants are available to individuals who live in the district and represent the county or above and sport organisations that provide a service to district residents. Funds are limited and not all applications may be supported. Applicants will normally be required to provide some of their own funding and must comply with set criteria.

Local sports representatives met Cllr Bernard Butcher, Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Mrs Sue Nicholas, Cabinet Member for Community, and Harry Croxton, Chairman of Dover District Sports Council at Crabble Athletic Ground this week.

Harry Croxton, Chairman of Dover District Sports Council, said: "We will consider any application for grant aid. We are keen to increase participation and improve performance in sport and recreation."

Cllr Mrs Sue Nicholas, DDC Cabinet Member for Community, said: "We are very pleased to be supporting the community and helping individuals to fulfill their potential. The grant scheme is a wonderful opportunity for clubs and individuals to receive support, which will help them towards the costs of taking part in their sports."

For more information, or to apply for financial assistance, please contact DDC Leisure Services on (01304) 872449.