Athlete Travel Award Scheme

2021-22 Athlete Travel Award Scheme (2nd Round of Applications)

The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme allows Athletes from the Outer Hebrides the opportunity to benefit from the program designed to support travel costs in the islands.

The aim of this scheme is to help elite pathway athletes of the Highlands & Islands to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities available on the mainland.

With an understanding that the past year has resulted in a level of uncertainty over the sporting calendar and with potential that this may continue for the remainder of 2021/22, it has been agreed by all Partners that for this year only we create a bespoke ATAS selection process in order to provide a more flexible approach.

Candidates in the Outer Hebrides can apply for sums up to £750 on this occasion.  The amount they receive if successful will be based on a number of criteria in the application process including their forecasted Competition and Training schedule, understanding of the Sports Performance Pathway and National Rankings. The scheme will be available for applications for the period 1st November 2021 - End March 2022.

Awards will be allocated through an application process, with athletes required to evidence how the grant will improve their performance, provide them access to quality training opportunities and improve their sports or club environment.

sportscotland has allocated each of the three local authorities £10k, with the Councils then required to top this up with £2k of their own funding plus the equivalent of £3k of management and administrative time.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive, sportscotland, said: "This has been an incredibly challenging period for Scottish sport but athletes and coaches have shown real resilience and commitment in finding ways to continue their training during the pandemic.  "We recognise the specific challenges faced by island athletes, especially at this time, so it's important to be flexible in how we provide support for the Athlete Travel Award Scheme.  By working in partnership with the councils in Highland & Islands we can deliver services locally through support from the sportscotland institute of sport in the Outer Hebrides, while providing additional support to allow talented athletes to travel to competitions and progress in their chosen sport."  "It's fantastic to hear of the athletes who have benefitted from awards in the past and we look forward to working with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to support more island athletes."

Councillor Paul Steele, Chairman of the Education, Sport and Children's Services Committee said: "The Athlete Travel Award Scheme has been a fantastic addition to the support the Comhairle is able to provide our elite athletes. The feedback from previous applicants has been very encouraging and I would anticipate a high level of applicants for this year's grants, particularly as athletes return to competitive sport."  "Sportscotland has become a valued partner over the years in our efforts to encourage our young people to get involved in sport and activities, and we are delighted that they have agreed to continue their support of this scheme."

The scheme opens for applications this week and following an application and selection process, athletes will be identified for support by each local authority.

Online applications will be open from 5th November 2021.

The deadline for applications is 12noon on Monday 15th November.

To find out more about the scheme contact the Community Sports Hub Officer for your area:  

Kevin Morrison (Uist & Barra)

e-mail: kevin.morrison@cne-siar.gov.uk

Euan Macleod (Lewis & Harris)

e-mail: euan-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk