Billericay and Wickford sportsmen and women are being reminded they can take advantage of a scheme offering financial support to their sporting aspirations.

Those involved in sport at all levels, whether Olympic athletes or club members, can benefit from funding provided by the Basildon Sports Council Distribution Panel.

The panel is a partnership between Basildon District Council, Basildon Sports Council (BSC) and the Sports Council social club and has around £45,000 set aside to hand out as grants to sportspeople.

Chairman of the panel Cllr Julia Palmer said: "Over the years we have helped a wide range of people through grants totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds.

"Now we are reminding sportsmen and women across the district we can help them fulfil their potential."

The panel was established 30 years ago to help budding sports stars, coaches and officials enhance their abilities and help promote the name and image of the district.

Over the years it has handed out between £350,000 to £400,000 generated by the activities of the Sport Council's social club based at the Murrayfield Pavilion at Gloucester Park, Basildon.

Any individual living within the district can apply for funding and any club seeking a grant must be affiliated to the Sports Council.

Applicants can apply for as much money as they need, but must meet the panel's grant making criteria.

BSC chairman Ken Laundy said: "It is all about helping develop the district's sporting achievements.

"The aim of the Distribution Panel is to help give individuals, clubs, officials or coaches who are seeking to further their talents through buying new sporting equipment, attending courses or competitions the financial backing they need."

Anyone wanting to know more about the work of the Sports Council should call Mr Laundy on 01268 533785. For information about its social club call 01268 533656. Anyone wanting to find out more about applying to the Distribution Panel should call the council's policy and members services department on 01268 294423 or its LeisureLine on 01268 294929.

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