19 Orkney athletes to benefit from latest round of ATAS funding

"Flying to Glasgow once or twice a month isn't cheap," says Rosa Leonard - one of 19 Orkney athletes to benefit from the latest round of Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS) funding.

"I started playing netball in Primary One when Orkney Active Schools came into Papdale Primary - I remember really enjoying it from the start. Watching older players compete at national level was really inspiring, and now I'm part of the Scotland Under 15s squad, travelling to Glasgow once or twice a month to train.

"Getting to Glasgow from Orkney isn't easy - I've had to fly each time because of school and exams, and one of my parents always has to come with me. It's a big commitment for my family, so receiving this funding has been really helpful - it's great to know I'm being supported by Orkney while I'm representing Scotland.

"I really hope to be selected for the UK School Games in September, and I'll be at the Scotland Under 17s trials in August too. In the meantime I'm training twice a week at home to keep building my strength - and fitting in hockey on top of that!"

The scheme, now in its ninth year, is designed to help elite athletes in the Highlands and Islands with the costs of travelling to training and competitions, without having to leave their communities. In Orkney, funding comes from sportscotland, Orkney Islands Council and new funders, Orkney Builders.

The athletes awarded funding are:

• Aimee Guthrie - powerlifting
• Alfie Price and Eve Wood - swimming
• Amy Golder - kickboxing
• Balfour Norquoy, Katherine Baillie and Orrin Dick - rugby
• Elsie Hutchison, Emily McArthur, Taylah Paterson and William Sichel - athletics
• Finlay Scott - squash
• Jody Groundwater - badminton
• Karen Fender and Ross Sinclair - weightlifting
• Reece Flaws - football
• Rosa Leonard and Zara Flett - netball
• Sam Squire - volleyball

Orkney Builders' Managing Director, Stephen Kemp, said: "It is fantastic to see an ever-increasing number of local athletes across a multitude of sports achieving at a high level, however I'm acutely aware of the financial burden attached to the very regular travel commitment that is required to attend developmental opportunities and competitions across the UK.  

“It is therefore really nice to have the opportunity to support ATAS and help these athletes a little as they travel away week in, week out - they're incredibly dedicated, and they really are putting Orkney on the map!"

Chair of the Council's Education, Communities and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer said: "So many of our athletes are competing on the national and international stage and that is, in part, thanks to supportive schemes such as ATAS.

“Congratulations to all 19 athletes on their successful bids, and a very warm welcome to Orkney Builders as our new sponsor - their support will make a real difference to our sporting community."