HALO Leisure has selected 10 county sports people for elite membership which allows them to access sports facilities for free.

The scheme helps to ease the financial burden for athletes competing at national level.

“As a not for profit organisation and registered charity whose primary aim is to provide the local community with active leisure facilities, we are delighted to offer this free access for another year,” said Holly Penwarden, Halo’s community and partnership officer.

“We see it as an opportunity to put something back into the community that has supported us so well.”

Stuart Austin a member of the Great Britain age-group Triathlon squad, is currently a member of Halo Elite, and competes in World Long Distance Triathlon Championships.

In 2012, he was one of the elite athletes representing GB in France and is grateful for the scheme and how it helps him reach and maintain high levels of competition.

“The Halo Elite scheme has really helped me commit to a regular training plan without having to worry about the cost of the sessions I need to be doing,” he said.

“My swim times have improved by around 25 seconds per 400 metres and my endurance is building consistently.

“I can now run at a higher speed for longer periods and can make use of the running track at Hereford Leisure Centre.

“As part of the Elite programme I feel more motivated and valued because my achievements are recognised by Halo.

“This is actively helping me to be faster and stronger for the Triathlon World Championships in Belfort, France on June 1 next year.”

Rising sporting stars have until mid-February 2014 to apply for a share of the next round of Halo Elite free access scheme.

Applications open in December. For details about Halo Elite visit their websitehaloleisure.org.uk/halo-elite

 

Halo Elite members with (left to right) Jon Argent CEO Halo Leisure and Bryan White Halo’s chairman, are swimmer Sascha Kindred, Blind Football sighted goalkeeper Lewis Skyers, swimmer Hugo Lemar, triathletes Nicola Goodwin, Stuart Austin and Kylie Mansfield; front: badminton players Chadd Warren and Brandon Adams and swimmer Nyree Kindred.