Athlete Travel Award Scheme 2022/23

02 March 2022 at 15:03:51

The Islands Athlete Travel Award Scheme allows up to 8 Elite athletes from the Outer Hebrides the opportunity to benefit from the program designed to support travel costs in the islands.

The scheme will be available for applications for the 2022-23 financial year from Wednesday 2nd March 2022.

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. For the 2022-23 period, there will be two separate applications. Athletes can apply for both if they can provide evidence to support this.

The first round of applications must be submitted by 25th March 2022 and will be considered soon after for programmes commencing from 1st of April 2023. The 2nd round of applications will be available before October 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.

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."

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

Kevin Morrison (Uist & Barra) kevin.morrison@cne-siar.gov.uk

Euan Macleod (Lewis & Harris) euan-macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk

The application and accompanying guidance can be found on the Sport & Health, Athlete Travel Award section of our website.