Young talent in Cornwall have been recognised with a £37k boost and mentoring support.
The funding, worth £37,795 in total, comes from Young & Talented Cornwall, The Lord Lieutenant’s Fund.
It has supported the next generation of superstars - 24 young people aged 14 to 23, who are the second group of the year to benefit from the grants.
The money will help them develop their skills in various fields, including science, boxing, engineering, gymnastics, ballet, and pool.
Each of the young hopefuls will receive up to £2,000 to help them achieve their potential.
Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, who leads the grant scheme, presented some of the young stars with an award certificate at Rodda’s Creamery, one of the fund’s business sponsors.
He said: "The breadth of exceptional talent in such a wide variety of fields demonstrates what a hotbed for talent Cornwall is; from sports to performing arts and STEM, our young people are thriving in every aspect.
"They deserve to be given the opportunity to achieve their potential regardless of any challenges they face – and that’s where Young & Talented Cornwall can help.
"It is such a pleasure to be able to support these talented young Cornish people and help them make their mark."
Among those celebrated were 15-year-old Lucy Cathery from Gulval, who represents the South West in gymnastics, and 17-year-old Sawyer Wragg, a top 100 UK sprinter from Lanivet.
Jazz guitarist Jacob Jewell, 17, from Helston, was also recognised, along with Cornwall’s number one tennis player, 16-year-old Sofiia Hrytsekno from Newquay.
Six aspiring talents in science, technology, engineering, and maths made up the Spirit of Trevithick cohort, including Florence Castleden, 16, from St Cleer, who recently came second in Café Scientifique’s ‘Young Scientist of the Year’ competition.
Budding astrophysicist Oak Cowles, 16, from St Teath and St Breward, is also a beneficiary alongside Olivia Bennett, 20, from Chacewater, a geology and mining heritage enthusiast.
As well as a grant award, they will each be paired with a specialist mentor in their field for a year of invaluable advice.
Nicholas Rodda, managing director at Rodda’s, added: "Young & Talented Cornwall is a wonderful initiative, encouraging and empowering young people in Cornwall to realise their full potential.
"We are proud to support the programme and to be contributing to the development of the next generation of inspirational Cornish talent."
Applications for the next round of grants are now open - visit www.youngandtalentedcornwall.org.
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