Wightlink celebrates the achievements of its sponsored athletes, sports and arts groups
8th July 2022
More than a hundred sportsmen and women, talented athletes and representatives from arts groups, charities and good causes across the Isle of Wight have got together in Newport to update their sponsors Wightlink about their achievements and future plans over coffee and cake. All receive support with cross-Solent travel through the ferry company’s community initiatives. The event at Quay Arts was the first in-person gathering following the end of pandemic restrictions.
“It was wonderful to catch up again with our friends and find out what they have been doing,” says Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield. “We sponsor 64 talented athletes through a scheme run by the Isle of Wight Council to help them compete on the mainland, as well as many arts groups, sports teams and associations, charities and good causes. We also help entertainment venues bring acts from the mainland and ship locomotives for the Steam Railway.”
“Wightlink’s support helps us attract the best entertainers in the UK for Islanders and holidaymakers,” explains Shanklin Theatre chairman Vic Farrow. “We have now rescheduled all the shows that were postponed because of Covid and are finding comedians are especially popular, perhaps people want to have a good laugh now things are getting back to normal.”
Open water swimmer 84-year-old Jenny Ball competes on the mainland: “I’m very proud to be sponsored by Wightlink as part of the Talented Athlete scheme. There are a lot of opportunities to take part in sport on the Island and I’d say you’re never too old.”
Twenty members of the Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team rode into Newport to join the event. They are looking forward to the final stage of the Tour of Britain on Sunday 11 September that will finish at The Needles and have already made a video of the challenging and inspiring route to encourage other cyclists to give it a try*.
Members of Ryde Rowing Club, John Cattle’s Skate Club, the Island’s Junior Ice Hockey Club and Royal Victoria Yacht Club were also there, along with Newport Jazz Club, the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, West Wight Arts Association, Fusion Arts Academy and many more.
*To see the cyclists’ video and discover more about Wightlink’s sponsored groups and individuals, search for the Wightlink in the Community page on Facebook.
Picture captions: Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team with 12-year-old Team HUP cyclist Harrison Hendy
Discus thrower Ellie Lovett
Members of Fusion Arts Academy
Members of John Cattle’s Skate Club
For more information, please contact:
Duty Media Officer
07870906189
[email protected]