A teenage ice skater from Ompton is among 75 athletes to receive funding from Nottinghamshire County Council’s Talented Athletes Fund. 

Councillors on the Communities and Place Committee approved the funding for athletes from 20 different sports, including 32 athletes aged 15 and under. 

Seventeen-year-old figure skater Meg McFarlane (left) won silver at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Sweden last year.

She overcomes adversity every day and faces many health challenges, but uses her love of skating as a way to deal with these.

The restrictions placed on ice skating during the coronavirus lockdown have been extremely challenging for Meg, and it was a struggle for her to cope with the break in routine.

And the skating community had to wait longer than other sports to return to the ice after the first lockdown.

However, Meg is currently focusing on off-ice coaching via Zoom meetings and working on her strength and fitness as much as possible so she’s ready for when the rinks reopen.

The teenager volunteers at her local leisure centre to help with any open days to help raise the profile of the opportunities that are available locally for people with disabilities and contributes to fundraising activities for her local club.

Since the county council scheme was launched in 2018 the fund has awarded more than 275 grants, with a combined total of £63,000. 

Coun John Handley, vice-chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “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.

“Prospective Olympians and Paralympians of tomorrow have remained determined to fulfil their ambition in their chosen sport and continue to make positive contributions to their local communities, despite the challenges the past year has presented them.”

Comments