A sporting chance for top athletes (From Ludlow Advertiser)

A sporting chance for top athletes

The 2012 London Olympics are just seven years away and the district council is now asking what could this event ever do for the people of South Shropshire?

One possible answer they have arrived at is to "inspire them to become Olympians".

The district council is to work with the Sports and Leisure Advisory Council to identify 10 talented sportspeople most likely to compete at the London Olympics in 2012.

The intention is to promote these individuals as "Local Role Models" to inspire the next generation of youngsters to participate in sport and physical activity. Retention or inclusion on the list would be subject to an annual review.

"The purpose is to chart the progress as they continue the long haul to potential participation in the London Olympics of 2012," said David Hinves, the council's leisure development manager.

"These talented performers can then be promoted to the next generation as positive role models in a hope that it might encourage them to take up sport or simply get more active."

The same panel that judges the Coach/Volunteer of the Year awards would select the 10 people.

A meeting of the Sports and Leisure Advisory Council last month considered a possible annual "gift" of £50 for the sports men and women and the kudos of being considered an "Olympic Role Model".

In return, the athletes' required tasks would not be very onerous, perhaps presenting trophies and prizes at school tournaments or speaking in assemblies on the road to the 2012 London Olympics.

Potential sponsorship by local businesses would also be explored added Mr Hinves.