2022 saw a successful sporting year including the British cyclists making their name in the Tour De France. In preparation for another year of sporting activity, Bridgend County’s next generation of title-chasing athletes can apply for support in going for gold in the big events next year, thanks to the Halo Sport Foundation, part of the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme.
The Halo Sport Foundation launched several years ago by charitable social enterprise, Halo Leisure – operator of public leisure facilities in Bridgend County and Bridgend County Borough Council – helps aspiring sporting talent fulfil their potential. Supported athletes can benefit from FREE memberships at Halo’s sport and leisure facilities allowing them to train for free in Halo gyms, pools and group exercise classes.
Halo Leisure and Bridgend County Borough Council are continuing to show their commitment to developing sporting talent, by calling for applications to its Halo Sport Foundation scheme. The Foundation (run in conjunction with the national GLL Sport Foundation and supported by Sport Wales) gives ambitious sportsmen, women and children in the borough, crucial support for their future.
“As a not for profit organisation and registered charity whose primary aim is to provide the local community with active leisure facilities, we are delighted to be able to offer support through the Sport Foundation for another year,“ said Simon Gwynne, Halo Partnership Manager. “We see it as an opportunity to put something back into the community that has supported us so well.”
Research shows 80% of aspiring sports men and women have little funding to support their ambitions.
“As well as offering free training opportunities in Halo, the Foundation also plans to host a range of masterclasses from guest speakers in subjects such as achieving sporting excellence, performance, nutrition, and sporting psychology to aspiring athletes,”said Simon.
The Sport Foundation is currently supporting over 100 local sports people (able bodied and disabled) across a variety of sports including triathlon, swimming, shooting, gymnastics, para table tennis, judo, deaf rugby, rugby, waterpolo, netball, basketball, taekwondo, athletics, rowing, surfing, canoeing, squash, tennis and football. They use our gyms, group exercise classes, pools, racket sports courts and indoor and outdoor sports pitches to keep fit and prepare for their next competitive event.
Applications open on 20th December 2022 and rising local sporting stars have until 20th February 2023 to apply for a share of the Sport Foundation support.
Application forms and supporting information can be found at www.halosportfoundation.org.uk
