Elite athletes aiming for Olympic, Paralympic, World and European goals awarded funding support
Last updated: 30/6/2026
Elite athletes across Rushcliffe have been awarded grant funding to support their training and development in their chosen sport, helping them to reach their future national, Olympic and Paralympic goals thanks to Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) Elite Athletes Sports Grant.
Twenty talented athletes from across 16 different sports are now benefitting from the vital funds to help with costs such as travel, training, accommodation, competition fees, equipment, specialist coaching and other specialist support.
Ciara Maloney and Elsie Landsborough are Wildwater Canoe partners who were both successful in receiving this year’s funding. Over the last two years, they’ve achieved three Silver and one Bronze at the Junior European Championships and Junior World Champions.
Ciara said: “We’re currently training towards Junior European Championships which will take place in Scotland this summer.
“I love this sport because it’s a bit different and it’s fun! It has a great social aspect as well, we spend a lot of time at the club, so we have a great group of friends there which is really important.
“Thank you to RBC for the grant, I’ll put the funding towards new paddles and a spray deck.”
Elsie added: “This sport is so important to us, we dedicate a lot of time to our training on daily basis.
“We both started off through flat water kayaking, and then some friends introduced us to Wildwater canoeing, which has been great fun! We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved so far.
“We have a lot of kit for racing so the funding help towards getting a new boat, which is quite expensive! A big thank you to RBC for their support.”
Grant recipient Barney Corrall competes in Para long jumping and 100 metres. He became Junior World Champion in 2019, competed in Europeans in 2023 and placed in the top six at the World Championships in 2024.
He said: “I’m currently training for the World Championships in Kazakhstan next year and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles.
“My sports mean a lot to me, and I love what I do. The grant will help to cover the costs of travel, sports kit and competition fees.
“It’s helped me with my training and competing at the highest level. The funding that I get is crucial for me to help me continue to be a full-time athlete, so I’m really grateful for the support from the Council.”
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “We’re incredibly proud of the role sport plays in the Borough and are delighted to once again deliver this grant scheme to support talented local athletes across a wide range of disciplines.
“Our athletes such as Barney, Ciara and Elsie continue to inspire through their dedication, intensive training and impressive achievements at local, national and international level. Their commitment to their sport is truly commendable.
“Over the years, many have gone on to represent both the Borough and Great Britain on some of the biggest stages, creating a strong legacy of success.
“Supporting sport and leisure remains a key priority for us as a Council, and we’re proud of our reputation as a leading sporting Borough.
“We’re one of the few councils in England to offer this kind of support for elite athletes, and we’re pleased to provide funding that helps ease the financial demands of training and competing at such a high level.”
A full list of the grant recipients is available on the RBC website.