Craig Fleming hands out achiever awards in south Norfolk

Dozens of potential sports stars of the future received a funding boost last week as part of a Norfolk council's community achiever awards.

Dozens of potential sports stars of the future received a funding boost last week as part of a Norfolk council's community achiever awards.

Seventy-nine youngsters benefited from grants of up to �1,500 each as part of South Norfolk Council's project to support budding young athletes.

Former Norwich City Football Club player Craig Fleming handed out a total of �27,000 at Dunston Hall Hotel, near Norwich, on Friday to students from a variety of sports such as football, rugby, hockey, swimming, cycling, squash, archery, and tenpin bowling.

The Community Sport Achiever Awards are available to anyone under 18-years-old living in South Norfolk who take part in competitive sport at county level or above. The grants will help cover the costs of competing, equipment, training and coaching qualifications.

South Norfolk Council cabinet member Michelle Monck said the local authority was also introducing a young ambassador award for under 25s, to support the area's 2012 Olympic hopefuls.

'It's fantastic to celebrate the best of South Norfolk's young sporting talent and to provide them directly with funding so they can continue to progress. Our Community Sport Achievers, not only excel in their chosen sport, but also act as an inspiration and help to other young people too.

'I look forward to the 2012 Olympics, where I am sure we'll see some of our South Norfolk sports achievers representing their country and winning medals,' she said.

Craig Fleming added: 'This is a fantastic night for our young people. These awards don't just give the financial support they need to follow their dreams, they ask for more. They encourage young people to help others.'