Basketball Star Nets Olympic Windfall
Teenage basketball ace Andrew St John has been given a £1,000 jump start to his sporting dream by Somerset County Council’s Olympic ‘500' Club delivered through the Somerset Community Foundation.

Eighteen-year-old Andrew, from Coleford near Radstock, has already played for Wales and is thriving in the National Basketball League. He has been given the £1,000 grant to help cover the cost of training, travel and equipment as he sets his sights on professional status and representing Great Britain. A former Wells Blue School pupil, 6ft 4ins Andrew said: “It’s about playing well in games and getting noticed and coaches can also send you along for trials if they think you are good enough. Playing for Great Britain in the Olympics would be the dream. The 2012 games might be a bit soon, but you never know. The grant is going to be a massive help. I have to pay for gym membership, boots, clothes, training equipment and there is also a lot of traveling involved. The costs really mount up and without help like this I wouldn’t be able to focus entirely on the training. I am really grateful for being given this help.”

Andrew is one of the first Olympic hopefuls to benefit from the ‘500 Club’, which has been spearheaded by Somerset County Council Chairman Alan Gloak. The club is part of the Team Somerset initiative, which brings together Somerset County Council, Sport England and other interested groups to work towards ensure that the County reaps lasting benefits from the 2012 games. Councillor Gloak said: “The Somerset 500 Club is all about teamwork and releasing the massive sporting potential we have here in Somerset, and Andrew is a fine example of this. By supporting people like him, and backing projects promoting healthy living the 2012 Olympics will have a wonderful legacy here in Somerset.”

Through the ‘500 Club’, companies or individuals can donate £500 or more a year for four years with the aim of raising £1million. The money will be split between supporting Somerset’s potential Olympians and projects promoting sporting activities and active, healthy lifestyles beyond 2012.

Click here to read more about the Team Somerset 500 Club Fund

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