WICK YOUNGSTER TARGETS COMMONWEALTH GAMES WITH SUPPORT FROM WARBURTONS RISING STARS INITIATIVE

Kris Hamilton - one of first in country to benefit from bursary

Rugby champion, Kris Hamilton, from Wick, is one of the first in the country to benefit from a new initiative between Warburtons and sportscotland to support young athletes.

Launched in August, 2009, Warburtons Rising Star Fund is a brand new grant-based initiative, which aims to help provide cash to aspiring young athletes aiming to be selected for major competitions, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

Using the sportscotland Area Institute of Sport Network, Warburtons is to provide a one-off bursary of £750 to help one aspiring athlete in each of the six area institutes; Highland, Grampian, Central, East, West and Tayside and Fife.

Kris, 19, first took up rugby when he was a young boy and now trains five days per week in either Thurso or Wick, undertaking either gruelling sessions in the gym or team fitness. During the weekend Kris travels all over country to play for his club, Caithness Rugby Club.

Kris is aiming to participate in the Six Nations and World Cup in 2010 and is one of six nominees to receive a Warburtons Rising Stars bursary. Kris will use the bursary towards the costs of travelling and competing at rugby events throughout Scotland.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “The Rising Star bursary initiative in association with Warburtons is an exciting development for Scottish athletes aiming to be selected for major competitions, including the Commonwealth Games in 2014. Interventions like this at such a crucial time can often be the difference between a young person continuing and being successful in their chosen sport or quitting.”

Colin McAlpine, commercial manager, Warburtons Scotland, said: “The new fund will recognise the contribution and sacrifices the wider family makes to help their talented children achieve and will make sure they are supported in their efforts. This new initiative will spotlight great talent and make sure it is properly supported.”
 

Story by Rob Eyton Jones