Cash help for sport stars of the future (From Worcester News)

Cash help for sport stars of the future

3:20pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News By Tarik Al Rasheed

A CHARITABLE trust set up in memory of a sports-mad Worcestershire woman is looking to give a helping hand to potential stars of the future.

Joanna Brown, from Malvern, fell to her death aged 30, while travelling in Siberia after visiting the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Her brother Richard founded the Joanna Brown Trust to provide local people with an opportunity to experience and excel in sport.

It has since raised more than £90,000 and funded several sporting projects, including a cricket nets training facility at Barnards Green Cricket Club in Malvern.

Now it is once again working alongside the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire to offer up-and-coming athletes grants to help them realise their potential.

The Joanna Brown Trust Talented Athlete Support Grant programme is offering up to £500 to athletes aged 18 and under to help with the cost of training, equipment or competition.

Mr Brown said: “The aim of the Joanna Brown Trust is to provide people with an opportunity to experience sport and excel in it.

“This grant scheme will mean we can give that opportunity to even more local athletes and help them be successful.

“Jo was all about striving to be the best she could and, with the help of the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, we are now able to help young athletes in the area be the best they can.”

The deadline for applications is Friday, October 12.

Successful applicants will be informed by November 2.

For further information and an application form, visit TheJoannaBrown Trust.org.