Councillors’ support for Lochaber sportsmen

Lochaber Councillors on The Highland Council have shown their support for the outstanding achievements of two local sportsmen, with the award of funding for ongoing training as they aim to win further representative honours. 

John MacDonald from Acharacle, who represented Scotland in rifle and trap shooting at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, has been awarded £2,000 from the local discretionary fund as he aims to compete at both the 2012 London Olympics and the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. 

Alasdair Strange from Fort William has been awarded £500 in recognition of his training requirements in pole-vault events.  A competitor in the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Alasdair also hopes to continue his progress by competing in the forthcoming Olympics and Glasgow Commonwealth Games. 

Councillor Dr Michael Foxley, Leader of the Council’s Administration, said: “These two young men have made a tremendous contribution in the sports arena and are excellent role models for other young people who set their sights at the very highest level of sporting excellence.  We are delighted to support them and wish them well in their future sporting events."

John Flannigan, of Lochaber Sports Council, said: "On behalf of Lochaber Sports Council, I would like to thank the local Councillors for their support given to John  and Alasdair.  Hopefully their achievements in reaching Commonwealth Games and Olympic standards will be an inspiration for other local talent in the years to come."