A reigning national judo champion is being given free access to Hull’s public leisure facilities, after being identified as a potential future world-class competitor.
Gracie Wilson, 16, will benefit as part of the Talented Athlete Scheme from Hull Culture and Leisure.
The scheme is designed to help gifted sports people who are gaining recognition from their national governing body, to help them towards elite status.
Gracie, who is from Hull, only started in the sport 5 years ago, training at the East Yorkshire Judo Academy.
She was the winner in the under-78kg category at the British U21 Championships in Sheffield in December.
She has represented Great Britain in international tournaments, most recently in Denmark, where Gracie picked up a bronze in under 21s and senior age categories.
Her next event is in Hungary, along with 260 other competitors.
Portfolio holder for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Rob Pritchard, said: “Gracie is the latest young athlete to benefit from this scheme, which aims to bring out the best of the city’s emerging sporting talent.
“They’re given much-needed support in the form of free access to the city’s high quality public leisure facilities to support their training.
“I was very pleased to award Gracie her annual membership, allowing her to concentrate on reaching her full potential without having to worry about the cost.
“The council is committed to investing in today’s promising athletes who have the potential to become tomorrow’s sporting heroes.
“I wish her well in her upcoming event in Hungary.”
To qualify for the scheme the talented athlete must be recognised by their associated national governing body and enrolled onto a talent programme as part of their development.
For more information go to Talented Athlete Scheme | Hull Culture and Leisure (hcandl.co.uk)
