Thirteen talented young athletes have started the new year with a boost, with the news that they will be supported by PHM Athlete Awards for 2021.
Impressed by the dedication shown by the athletes through a challenging year, PHM Athlete Award benefactor Paul Morron MBE has extended support to all 13 current recipients for a further 12 months. Delivering the news personally during an online get-together for athletes and Board members from the Team Scotland Youth Trust, which administers the Awards, he spoke of the importance of continuing to support and show belief in young athletes, more so since they have not have many opportunities to compete in the past year.
“I began the Athlete Awards because I wanted to pursue something to help young people to fulfil their potential and I decided on sport,” he said. “It’s not just about the financial grants but it’s about the message of belief and confidence that I actually have in the athletes.
“Given the problems with Covid it’s been a heart wrenching year, it’s been a really, really rough time. So, I thought it might be a good time to give them some good news. I have huge respect for the athletes and the work they’ve done and the way they’ve come through this year. I’m full of admiration for them and I really wish them well in their future careers.”
Amongst those set to benefit are three members of Scotland’s Gold Coast 2018 team: Erin Wallace, who won 1500m gold at the Bahamas 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and then competed in Triathlon on the Gold Coast. Kelvin Cham, who won bronze in Gold Coast in the Men’s Gymnastics Team event and fellow gymnast Ellie Russell, part of the women’s team which placed 5th.
European Para-Athletics Championships silver medallist Ross Patterson and aspiring Paralympic Games archer, Cameron Radigan, also receive awards, as do 2018 Youth Olympic Games Badminton competitor Christopher Grimley and 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games medallist Alisha Rees who twice broke the Scottish Senior 60m record in 2020, which had stood for 17 years.
Breaking through to senior international level is tough and the costs of training and competition mean athletes can struggle to reach their full potential. Now with the added challenges of closed training facilities and uncertainty around competition schedules, supporting our future stars is more important than ever. 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.
The Team Scotland 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 9 years since the Awards began, 45 athletes have been supported with over £108,000 of financial aid.
PHM Athlete Awards 2021
Scott Gibson – Swimming
Cameron Radigan – Para-Archery
Alisha Rees – Athletics
Ross Paterson – Para-Athletics
Erin Wallace – Athletics
Christopher Grimley – Badminton
Sam Hickey – Boxing
Sarah Jane Hampson – Fencing
Kelvin Cham – Gymnastics
Ellie Russell – Gymnastics
David Ferguson – Judo
Jack Burns – Rowing
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 or regular giving. Call 01786 466480 or email tsyouthtrust@teamscotland.scot