Sport on the Isle of Wight is a precious thing. Over the years the Island has produced gold-medal-winning Olympians, top-notch footballers and England cricketers... to name but a few
The Isle of Wight Sports Foundation is passionate about protecting that sporting heritage and exists to nurture it so that future generations have the clubs, facilities and infrastructure that will ensure their success.
So, what does the Foundation do?
Its aim is to promote sport and physical activity on the Isle of Wight and to be the go-to place for anyone with an issue or query about sport.
It looks to:
- Help with planning matters
- Provide and protect our precious and often-threatened facilities
- Battle for fairness in things such as car parking charges, ferry expenses and government/council legislation
- Give grants to member clubs and individuals for things such as coaching and training, new equipment and maintenance of facilities
- Provide first aid and other training to support sports clubs on the Island
In addition, the Foundation arranges the annual Isle of Wight Sports Achievement Awards ceremony each spring, celebrating the successes across all age groups and abilities. This wonderful evening can bring a smile to the mouth or a tear to they eye (or both) as amazing stories are told.
All member clubs have the right to nominate candidates for these awards, that have been going for more than 40 years.
The foundation’s voluntary board of trustees are people who care deeply about sport on the Island. Many of them have been involved in Isle of Wight sport for many years and are passionate about its future good health.