Posted on: Friday 19 January 2024
Morgan Mates
Young aspiring athletes can apply for funding, to help them achieve their dreams thanks to The Mic Morris Trust.
Young people aged between 11-21 who are performing at an elite level, can apply for grants until 26th February.
One of those supported by the trust is Morgan Mates, 15, from Cwmbran, who completes in Kyokushinkai Karate.
Croesyceiliog pupil, Morgan, has received two grants to help with the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms, and sports equipment, and is urging other young athletes to apply to the fund.
Since being awarded grants from the trust, Morgan has achieved a gold medal in the 2023 IFK European Knockdown Championships in Yerevan, Armenia.
Morgan, who trains at Cwmbran Kyokushinkai, said: “I feel so grateful to the Mic Morris Trust for supporting me pursue my dream of representing my country in international Karate competitions.”
“I would also like to say a special thank you to my dojos at Cwmbran Kyokushinkai, as without their support, I wouldn’t be part of the Welsh and GB squad.”
Natalie Richards, Croesyceiliog Headteacher, added: “We are all so proud of Morgan. Not only is she a superstar athlete, but she’s also Deputy Head Student, Head of Ministry of Wellbeing, played Prince Charming in our pantomime Cinderella and is on the Prom Committee.”
“Morgan represents herself and Croesyceiliog School to the highest standard, and incorporates our school values, ‘Learning, Respect and Ambition’ in everything she does.”
To be eligible to apply for the Mic Morris Trust, a young person must be aged between 11 - 21 years and living in Torfaen.
The fund covers a range of sports, but the applicant must reside in one of the following four categories:
- World class performer
- Elite Cymru
- Member of a national team or squad as specified through the list provided by Sport Wales
- Ranked within the top 5 for Welsh and/or top 10 for Great Britain
Chairperson at the Mic Morris Torfaen Memorial Sporting Trust, Christine Vorres, said: “We understand that the cost-of-living crisis is affecting many families, many of whom are accessing and paying for sports programmes in and outside the county borough.
"The trustees would like to make people aware that even though applicants have to meet a certain criterion, the trust is happy to provide funding for such items as clubs fees, travel expenses, coaching fees, equipment and anything else that is linked to their sport. So please don’t be afraid to come forward and seek support”.
To apply for the Mic Morris Trust visit the Torfaen website or contact Christine Philpott on 01633 628936 or email Christine.philpott@torfaen.gov.uk