A new scheme to provide cash support for the country's talented young sporting stars is being officially launched by Essex Paralympic athlete Lloyd Upsdell.

The event will take place at Melbourne Park Athletics Centre, Salerno Way, Chelmsford, next Tuesday at 12.30pm.

Essex County Council is inviting applications for funding from individual young athletes aged between 12 and 25 years who wish to progress in their chosen sport and is open to able bodied and disabled athletes.

To qualify for the grant, applicants must be identified by their relevant governing body of sport at a regional level or above.

Councillor Stephen Castle, cabinet member with special responsibilities for sport, said: "Essex has a proven record of producing top athletes who have competed successfully against some of the top names in the world of sport.

"This new initiative provides a helping hand to support the development of our talented young athletes and will make Essex sport even stronger."

Nineteen-year-old Ups-dell, from Dunmow, won two gold medals at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics in the 100 and 200 metres. He is also world record holder in both of these events.

Application forms are available from Essex Sports Development, Essex County Council, Cultural Services, PO Box 47, Chelmsford, CM2 6WN. Tel 01245 436282.

A total of £20,000 is available and awards will be for either £500 or £1,000 for each athlete for one year.

The closing date for applications is Friday, February 28, and successful athletes will be advised within six weeks of this date as to whether they have been successful in their bids.

Published Monday, January 27, 2003

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