Now in its fifth year the Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Elite Athlete grant is open once again for applications.

Working in partnership with local businesses, Wiltshire Council is able to support rising sports stars through the Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians Foundation.

Thanks to the success of the annual Legacy Business and Sports Gala dinner, launched in 2014, more than £48,000 has been raised for the foundation to support elite athletes.

Grants of £1,000 have enabled these rising sports stars to access training and competitions, as well as purchasing equipment and covering transport costs to regional, national and international events.

As part of delivering a legacy in Wiltshire, following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the partnership between Wiltshire Council and local businesses has supported 48 individuals through the Funding Future Olympians and Paralympians programme.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE, Leader of Wiltshire Council said: “We want to support our rising sports stars and we know that these grants make a huge difference providing much needed financial support for competitions, events and training camps.

"Working with local businesses has proved to be a huge success and making the connection between our aspiring athletes and local business has helped with funding and sponsorship support.

"We see this as a mutually beneficial arrangement and one which is helping to grow Wiltshire’s future Olympians and Paralympians.

"Next year’s gala dinner is proving to be extremely popular and we have already sold more than 60 per cent of the spaces available. This demonstrates the support from businesses for his great foundation fund.”

Previous recipients of a grant include Paralympian Stephanie Millward, British Rhythmic Gymnastic Champion Laura Halford and Team GB canoeist Hannah Brown. 

Hannah said: “Receiving the funding was very important because it allowed me to focus on my training and purchase equipment for one of the most important years in my career and has helped set me on the path to Rio in 2016.

"I’m grateful for the support I have received and which I hope can benefit more athletes who are seeking to reach their goals.”

People of any age who are competing at a national level or above in any sport recognised by Sport England are invited to apply.

The deadline for applications is Monday, January 18, 2016 at 5pm. For more information, the criteria and the application form, go to fundingfutureolympians.org.uk