Athletes representing Herefordshire in regional and national sporting competitions attended Halo’s Sport Foundation Awards last Friday. The recipients were chosen by the Foundation for their commitment to their training and success in competition so far.

The Foundation – which has Paralympic medallist Sascha Kindred (OBE) as its Patron - was launched because it knows 80% of aspiring athletes have limited funding to support their ambitions and the crucial training and competition that will help them progress to national and international level.

The Foundation aims to give ambitious sportspeople in the County, crucial support for their future. This year the Foundation is providing essential financial support and free training opportunities to 75 ambitious sportsmen, women and children of all ages (ranging from 11-70), representing 29 different sports, everything from athletes, bowls, badminton, wheelchair basketball, rowing, roller derby, equestrian and sailing. It is all about investing in local talent; supporting local athletes and inspiring local communities.

“With less than 100 days until Rio, the Olympics will once again showcase the power of sport to transform lives,” says Alex Haines from Halo’s Sport Foundation. “Successful athletes like these award winners not only motivate others who watch them compete, they give something back to their community too via coaching, mentoring and fundraising. It is wonderful to see the pride they take in their sport, in Herefordshire and in these Awards.”

For more information about the Sport Foundation and how to apply for a grant - or how you or your business could get involved supporting local athletes, visit www.halosportfoundation.org.uk