Next generation of Guernsey athletes benefit from travel bursary

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 13:55

Ian Le Moigne from Brittany Ferries with Guernsey athletes Jack Reed, James Becker, Hannah Kennedy and Sian O’Hanlon, and Nicky Will from the Guernsey Sports Commission.

Young triathletes, karters, cyclists and horse riders will have the cost of transporting themselves and their equipment to training and competitions covered.

Brittany Ferries has confirmed it is continuing a travel bursary scheme first launched by Condor in 2024.

The initiative will financially help Guernsey's young athletes to get events and trials in the UK or France via the ferry company’s network.

The value of the sports travel fund is £10,000.

The first recipients of 2025 are Jack Reed, James Becker, Hannah Kennedy and Sian O’Hanlon.

The Guernsey Sports Commission oversees the selection of appropriate recipients, aged 13 to 23.

Communications Director Nicky Will says they accept applications from any sport, by target primarily those who need equipment.

"When you have to travel just by yourself it is expensive, but then when you are having to take a vehicle or a horse trailer or a number of bicycles with you, the cost increases a lot.

"Those selected are all competing at the top of their sport, so every little bit that we can do to help them to reach those heights, we will."

Paul Acheson from Brittany Ferries says they are proud to help.

“We are proud to partner with the Guernsey Sports Commission and benefit from their expertise in identifying and supporting young athletes who show exceptional promise.

“Our involvement in local sport has shown us just how much talent exists in the Island.

"We know that for many young people, opportunities to compete and train abroad can make all the difference — and we are pleased to play a part in helping them take that next step.”