Funding boost for Worksop athlete Emily

Emily Race, 20, will receive one of 75 grants totalling £21,000 awarded to top local athletes and para-athletes by the Talented Athletes Fund.The fund, part of the council’s local improvement scheme, offers financial help and support to local communities.

Nottinghamshire athletes will benefit from grants of up to £400 to help with expenses such as travel, coaching, competition fees and kit.

Emily is a heptathlete and currently ranked number one at both regional and county level and third nationally.

She is also the English Schools combined events champion.

Unfortunately, due to illness and injury, Emily missed out on competing at the British Universities and Colleges Championships in early 2020.

Determined, with focus on recovery and getting fit again Emily has been able to hire a spinning bike to use at from home during the lockdown and borrow other equipment to keep her going until restrictions are lifted.

During the lockdown Emily helped organise a fundraiser, a virtual challenge to cover the length of the UK in 24 hours, either running, walking or cycling, raising £4,439 for the NHS.

She also organised a volunteering opportunity with Zest community centre, where virtual activity sessions were offered to disadvantaged children in the local community.

Emily said: “I am extremely appreciative to have been awarded this grant and so grateful to have the support of Nottinghamshire County Council

"After such a difficult year I feel an opportunity such as this will really make a difference in coming back stronger in 2021.”

Coun John Handley, vice-chairman of the council’s communities and place committee, added: “I am delighted that we are, once again, able to support our fantastic local athletes.

"Whilst our funding only provides a proportion of what is required when competing at such an elite sporting level, I know it is gratefully received by our young athletes and their families.“The volume and high standard of applications received for this latest round of funding further cements Nottinghamshire’s reputation as a sporting county.”