Thanks to continuing support from a private individual, 18 talented young athletes from eleven sports have received awards from the PHM Scholarship Support Fund for 2019.
2018 has shown just how Scotland’s athletes can inspire young people through their performances, but breaking through to senior international level is tough and the costs of training and competition mean athletes can struggle to reach their full potential. Established in 2012, the fund provides awards of up to £1,000 to athletes under the age of 26, to assist with their preparation for significant major events including the Commonwealth Games. This year applications were open to all CGS member sports, with Para-Sport athletes also being recognised for the first time.
Amongst the athletes set to benefit, is swimmer Scott McLay, Scotland’s most successful Commonwealth Youth Games athlete, winning five medals at Bahamas 2017. Scott then stepped up to win a relay bronze at Gold Coast 2018.
Other members of the Gold Coast 2018 team supported include Vicky Glover, Scotland’s first female boxer at a Commonwealth Games and Erin Wallace, who won 1500m gold at Bahamas 2017 and then competed in Triathlon on the Gold Coast. Kelvin Cham, who won bronze in Gold Coast in the Men’s Gymnastics Team event is joined by fellow gymnast Ellie Russell, part of the women’s team which placed 5th.
Two recipients are currently in Buenos Aires where the 2018 Youth Olympic Games are taking place; Christopher Grimley competing in the Badminton competition and Georgia Adderley participating as a Squash Ambassador, with the sport being showcased as an event outwith the main sports programme.
The Scottish Commonwealth Games Youth Trust are delighted to announce support for these young athletes, who will hope to follow in the footsteps of past recipients, many of whom have gone on to win medals on the international stage, including boxer Charlie Flynn, swimmer Craig Benson, badminton player Kirsty Gilmour and track athlete Zoey Clark. In the past six years, 28 athletes have been supported with over £63,000 of financial aid.
Caitlin McClatchey, Chair of the Trust and former Team Scotland swimming double gold medallist said: “We are truly indebted to this private individual who continues to recognise the potential of young athletes in Scotland and whose support has already delivered tangible benefits for many athletes.
“The transition from youth to senior level is a crucial time in an athlete’s development and this support allows them to fully focus on realising their sporting aspirations. We received over 50 applications for much needed support and we would love to hear from other individuals or organisations who could help us to expand the programme in the future.”
PHM Scholarship Athletes 2019
Scott Gibson – Swimming
Archie Goodburn – Swimming
Scott McLay – Swimming
Cameron Radigan – Para-Archery
Alisha Rees – Athletics
Ross Paterson – Para-Athletics
Erin Wallace – Athletics
Christopher Grimley – Badminton
Vicky Glover – Boxing
Sam Hickey – Boxing
Sarah Jane Hampson – Fencing
Kelvin Cham – Gymnastics
Ellie Russell – Gymnastics
David Ferguson – Judo
Aiden Moffat – Judo
Jack Burns – Rowing
Evie Gallagher – Rugby
Georgia Adderley – Squash
How to support
If you would like to help us make a difference for more young Scottish athletes, then please contact us to discuss becoming a partner or supporter with a one off donation, regular giving or by supporting the Team Scotland Sports Awards event. Call 01786 466480 or email scgyouthtrust@teamscotland.scot