HARLOW Council is now accepting applications for the second round of grants from the Olympic Legacy fund, which is designed to help local not-for-profit organisations potentially discover the next generation of Olympic champions.

Following the London Olympic and Paralympic Games a decision was made to allocate a sum of money to promote sport and encourage participation in sporting activities locally. The grants can 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.

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.

A total of £6,880 was awarded during the first round of grants to the following organisations:

· Friends of Harlow Cricket Club: £400

· Harlow Penguins: £1,000

· Harlow District Scouts: £1,000

· BATTS: £1,000

· Langley Colts Football Club: £500

· Harlow Cricket Club: £1,000

· Paringdon Community Leisure: £980

· Harlow Neighbourhood Watch (Baseball Initiative): £1,000

These grants are being used to purchase equipment and essential materials, fund the direct delivery of sporting activities or cover any administrative costs related to promoting information about the sporting activities (provided this doesn’t exceed 25% of the total grant applied for).

Cllr Jean Clark, Portfolio Holder for Community & Social Inclusion, said:

“The Olympic Legacy Fund has already provided a number of not-for-profit organisations in Harlow with vital funds which are being put to good use in promoting and encouraging local people to get involved in sport.

“The rich sporting tradition of Harlow will continue to be built upon as a result of these grants being awarded; they will enable organisations to develop their sporting activities even further, promote social inclusion and benefit local residents.”

The deadline for applications is Friday, 14 February 2014.

For more information on the grants available and to apply, please visit www.harlow.gov.uk/grants-olympic

Alternatively, please contact Angela Street, Admin. Co-ordinator, Community Wellbeing, on 01279 446302 or email [email protected]