Torbay Council

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Torbay Olympians Fund

Our mission is to identify, then support, the Torbay athletes who have the best chances of competing in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This support is intended to reward those single-minded few who are demonstrating, by their commitment and current achievement, that they are utterly determined to achieve their goals within their chosen sport. By so doing we also hope to inspire the next generation to follow their example, and choose sport and active pastimes as fundamental parts of its lifestyle.
The Torbay Olympians Fund (TOF) is the result of a Torbay Sports Council initiative, supported by Torbay Council, which is aimed at giving Torbay Olympians  extra financial ability to improve their skills during 2009.   Its funds will not be used to subsidise the existing expenses endured by the athletes, nor to provide support which its panel feels could be reasonably afforded……….this fund is intended to give the Olympians a chance to pay for EXTRA services / facilities / products etc, which will improve their performances markedly, and which
could not otherwise be afforded.   With the London Games still nearly four years away, Torbay Council hopes that local athletes will appreciate the early support of their home town.

How Will it Work?

A “PANEL” of experienced local sportsmen/coaches, who are familiar with the needs of very talented athletes, has already been appointed to judge on all aspects of the Fund’s operation.  It has now invited those who meet the criteria to apply to become one of a very select group of  “TORBAY OLYMPIANS“.  Once an applicant has been accepted into this group, he/she may request finances at any time. This request will be put to each member of the panel, and if it is accepted, the applicant will be given permission to purchase.
The Fund will not provide cash, but will agree to settle an invoice to an agreed amount.  At the moment the Fund totals £10,000, and this will be allocated as evenly as possible between the Olympians so that there will be no need for them to rush into spending quickly. The Fund will be open until 31st December 2009, and will aim to provide support evenly until that date.
All aspects of these procedures will be carried out on line and will be coordinated through the fund’s secretary, Roger Mann.

The Criteria

Those applying to be Olympians will have lived in Torbay for at least 2 years (but exceptional circumstances will be considered), and will have at least a 20% chance of being selected to take part in the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games, if their current rate of progress is maintained.

How to Apply to be a Torbay Olympian

Please apply on line to the Secretary by providing the following details:
  1. Full Name, Address, Date of birth, School details if applicable.
  2. Two photographs (one head & shoulders / one in action in your sport) with permission for them to be used for publicity purposes.
  3. Details of your sporting achievements over the past two years.
  4. Details of any funding (over £50) received, or applied for, during 2008, or expected/ hoped for during 2009.
  5. A reference, quote, or comment from your sport’s National Governing Body, or from a Regional Performance Manager/Director which will persuade the Panel that you have at least a 20% chance of competing in the London 2012 Olympic or Paralympic Games.  Names and contact details of each referee must be supplied.
  6. An undertaking to meet and chat to local school children, if convenient and if required to do so.

How Olympians Apply for Funds

Please apply on line to the Secretary by providing the following details:
  1. A full and exact description of the facility / service / product etc. you would like to purchase, and details of the vendor, and the cost of the item.
  2. A supporting quote or comment from your coach which will persuade the Panel that the acquisition will markedly enhance your performance.  Please supply the name and contact details of the coach concerned.
If an application for funds is successful:
  1. Your request for funds will be forwarded to the Panel, and if it is approved, you will be notified by the Secretary promptly.
  2. You may then make the purchase up to the sum agreed, and forward the invoice to the Secretary.  He will settle the invoice within 7 days of receiving it.

Additional Information

It is expected that TOF will invite the Herald Express to publish a quarterly update on the progress of each Torbay Olympian, for which the photos may be used.  This will give publicity to the Council’s generosity, and perhaps encourage them to repeat the funding in 2010.  It will also give the athletes the exposure to help them to attract sponsors during the crucial last two years before the Games.
The Panel realise that potential Olympians will be improving as each month goes by, so if an application to join the group fails at first, it might well be accepted at a later date, if another application is made.
Because the total “pot” is limited, applications for funds may often be turned down.  The Panel asks the Olympians to be tolerant of this, and to consider the guidelines carefully before applying.



Related Tasks

Contact Community and Sports Development