RICKY WITH THE LORD MAYOR OF LEICESTER

Gymnast receives bursary from Talented Athlete Fund:

 Derbyshire disabled gymnast Ricky Blampied has received a £300 bursary from the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund. The 16-year-old, from Allenton in Derby, is one of 60 athletes from across the county to be recognised by the Fund and given a cash boost to help further his sporting career. Ricky competed in the World Special Olympics in Shanghai in October 2007, representing Great Britain and bringing home two Gold and four Silver medals. A member of Leicester Leys Gym Club, he is currently training hard for the Special Olympics in July in Leicester and was named Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year at the 2007 Derbyshire Sports Awards. The Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund aims to help the county's top sporting performers make the most of their talent, and has received contributions from a number of local authorities, businesses and other organisations. Ricky was presented with his £300 cheque at Moorways Sports Centre Stadium in Derby on April 18, along with other athletes from Derby. Performers from all sports recognised by Sport England are eligible for bursaries, except those already receiving individual lottery awards or TASS funding. Further details of the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund can be found at www.derbyshiresport.co.uk/ talented-athlete-fund