County Council’s pride in Team GB’s Shining Stars

The County Council has paid tribute to the Olympic athletes it has funded who have represented Team GB at London 2012.

Four athletes have represented Team GB at London 2012 for the Olympics – with Sam Oldham from Keyworth, in the men’s gymnastics team winning a bronze medal.

Grace Carter is set to see her team’s world ranking rise from 69th position following a positive showing in the women’s volleyball tournament – the highlight for them beating Algeria in the group stage.

Richard Jefferies from Rushcliffe missed out in the 200m canoe sprint this morning having also raced in the 1,000m final earlier in the week. He was the only member of Team GB to represent his country in the C1 class at the 200m distance.

'An incredible atmosphere'

Richard’s brother Ben, who watched him finish sixth in his heat this morning, said: “It was an incredible atmosphere and a huge achievement to perform in two different disciplines in the Olympics and at a home Games. Richard will race in the B-final tomorrow which will decide the final places between 9-16 so will focus on that and we will again be cheering him on.”

Meanwhile, Beeston’s George Pinner also sampled life in the Olympic Village as a goalkeeping reserve for the men’s hockey team.

All four have received money from the county council’s Shining Stars fund receiving £2,012 this year to help with transport and training costs.

Their achievements will be celebrated when Nottinghamshire County Council holds its annual Nottinghamshire Sports Awards early next year.

Sam’s dad Bob said: “Sam has had a fantastic Games and thanks to the county council for vital funding to help make his bid possible. He battled with a serious injury in the run-up to the Olympics so we thought he may miss out on selection.

“He not only made it into the team but got a medal and a podium finish. We are still getting used to his increased profile as there have been lots of crowds cheering him and his team mates on in London and it has been an unbelievable two weeks.”

Grace Carter, from Humber Road in Beeston, celebrates her birthday this week and is already celebrating after a memorable Games. But she will not have long to rest and reflect on her team’s experience as she is set to move to Paris to represent the French capital’s volleyball team next season – an exciting move from her current French club, Terville Florange Olympique Club.

'We have been delighted to provide funding'

Coun John Cottee, Committee Chairman for Culture at Nottinghamshire County Council said: "Shining Stars funding helps to give sporting hopefuls some grant aid so they can concentrate on excelling in their sport. We have been delighted to provide funding for more than 25 athletes again this year.

The county council has enjoyed charting the progress of some of the athletes we have funded through the Shining Stars scheme at London 2012 - Richard Jefferies, Sam Oldham, Grace Carter and George Pinner. Representing Great Britain in the Olympics is a wonderful achievement in their careers and we hope their success will help encourage others to enjoy and take up sport.

A further six Shining Star funded athletes are preparing to represent Team GB at the Paralympics from Nottinghamshire. They are: Ollie Hynd (swimming), Charlotte Henshaw (swimming), Matt Byrne (wheelchair basketball), Simon Wilson (wheelchair fencing), Sophie Wells (dressage) and Natalie Blake (weightlighting).

Shining Stars