Contact: Louise Pickford - Ext: 7355; e-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

Applications have been received from people in Hampshire undertaking expeditions, overseas and personal development projects. These grants, if awarded, would support Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy by maximising life opportunities. Applicants' details are as follows:-

1.1 Panuga Riou, Emsworth

In September 2004, a grant of £5,000, which included £500 living expenses, was agreed from this budget to allow Panuga Riou from Emsworth the chance to attend the Westgate Badminton Centre at Westgate School in Winchester. This money, payable to the Hampshire Badminton Association, was awarded towards her boarding and tuition fees. At that time, it was also agreed this request would be considered for a further three years subject to a favourable report being received from the Association.

The Association has since written to the County School Sports Officer advising the County Council that Panuga has made great strides forward in her first year at the Centre as well as in her studies. She has progressed in Badminton from being in the top five for her age group at the beginning of the season to number one after winning many age group titles and going on to win the National under 13 singles and mixed titles. As a result of this, she was chosen for the BBC Sportsround programme as an outstanding example in her age group.

It has also been recognised by Badminton England that this rapid improvement could not have been made if she had not had this opportunity and it is with this in mind that the Association is asking for a further grant of £4,900 (£300 fee increase) in 2005/06 which will pay for her fees during this academic year.

It is, therefore, recommended that £4,900 be awarded towards Panuga's fees for 2005/06 and up to £500 towards her living expenses in recognition of her achievements over the last year. It is also recommended that this request be considered for a further two years subject to a favourable progress report being submitted to the County School Sports Officer.

Recommendation: A grant of £5,400 (which includes up to £500 to cover daily expenses) in 2005/06 and the request be considered for a further two years subject to a favourable progress report being submitted to the County School Sports Officer.

1.2 Rhys Jones, Bartley

Teenage mountaineer Rhys Jones (19 years old) is seeking a grant from the County Council to complete the Seven Summits Challenge by climbing Mount Everest in Nepal between 25 March and June this year. This Challenge is to reach the summit of the highest mountain in each continent, a feat which has only ever been achieved by 100 people worldwide. If successful, Rhys will become the youngest person ever to climb all seven peaks which are:

North America -Denali - 6194 M

Europe -Elbrus - 5642 M

Asia - Everest - 8848 M

Australasia - Carstensz Pyramid - 4884 M

Antarctica - Mt Vinson - 4897 M

South America - Aconcagua - 6959 M

Africa - Kilimanjaro - 5895 M

Rhys has so far managed to raise £6,000 towards his target of £32,000.

The success of this Challenge will enable him to promote his charity "Youth Unlimited" which was set up in 2004 to take a positive message of teenage achievements to other teenagers and inspire and motivate them to set their own goals and ambitions.

Born and brought up in Hampshire, Rhys attended Bartley Junior and The Romsey Schools and left in 2002 with 11 GCSE's and a Gold Active Citizen Award. On completing his A Levels at Barton Peveril College in Eastleigh and after gaining several scouting awards, he provided instruction to scouting organisations visiting the Hampshire Scout centre at Fernycrofts in the New Forest. He is also certificated to instruct in archery, kayaking, shooting, high ropes and climbing to any organisation.

Recommendation: £1,000

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excluded:

Published works.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE FILE

Letters from applicants who Chief Executive's Department

applied for financial assistance