Sue Souter, Managing Director of the agency has been appointed to lead Lancashire Sport’s Rising Star panel group made up of representatives of main sponsor Warburtons, Lancashire Sport and the Duchy of Lancaster.

The appointment of Chair comes after four years of association with Lancashire Sport. It will see Sue spearheading a drive to raise awareness of and attract more sponsors to the Rising Star scheme.

A grant-based initiative, Rising Stars aims to get cash – some £45,000 in three years - to where it is most needed, to help young talent from the county flourish on the road to 2012.

Speaking after the first panel meeting, which awarded bursaries to 15 youngsters in a range of sports, Souter said she was honoured to be asked.

“It came right out of the blue, but I am passionate about this cause and Warburtons involvement in it, so it was a natural step. Hopefully we can take the concept wider and build the scheme so that a range of Lancashire businesses can be the wind under the wings of some tremendously talented athletes.”

Grants will help with costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees and equipment, specialist coaching and other support like physiotherapy or nutritional advice.

Chief Executive of Lancashire Sport Adrian Leather, said: “The Lancashire Rising Star Fund is an exciting development for the county. Sue will bring her considerable enthusiasm, experience and communication skills to the project – we are looking forward to working with her.”

The first 15 bursaries worth £7500 – out of an eventual 90 over three years under the current terms of the scheme - were presented to their recipients at a special awards evening in October 2009.  

“This is about looking ahead to 2012 from Lancashire’s perspective, recognising the efforts of families who sacrifice so much to help their children, and helping to give real podium aspiration to 15 remarkable rising stars. We can’t wait.”

< Previous Story  |  Next Story >

Souter - Your reputation is our business