AS we approach the first anniversary of the London Olympics, Harlow Council has launched an Olympic Legacy fund designed to help local not-for-profit organisations potentially discover the next generation of Olympic champions.

A decision was made after last year’s successful London Olympic and Paralympic Games to allocate a sum of money to promote sport and encourage participation in sporting activities locally. The grants that will be awarded as part of the fund will be used to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in sport, as well as bring new sporting activities not currently present in Harlow to the town.

A total of £30,000 has been allocated for the next three years and local not-for-profit organisations (which include community and voluntary group, co-operatives, social enterprises, registered charities and residents’ associations) can apply for a grant of up to £1,000 from Harlow Council.

The grants, if awarded, can be used to purchase equipment and essential materials, fund the direct delivery of a sporting activity or cover any administrative costs related to promoting information about the sporting activity (provided this doesn’t exceed 25% of the total grant applied for).

Cllr Jean Clark, Portfolio Holder for Community and Social Inclusion, said: “The Olympic Legacy Fund is a fantastic way of getting local people involved in sport.

“We have a rich sporting tradition in Harlow. Many people who were born in the town or who have grown up, lived or trained in the town have gone on to excel on the world stage including both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. We hope that these grants will enable organisations to develop their sporting activities and – who knows – even uncover our next crop of Olympic medallists!”

The deadline for the next set of grants is Friday, 23 August 2013.