Boris Johnson hand picks 30 young stars for Olympic grant

MAYOR of London Boris Johnson has awarded £1,000 grants to 30 Olympic hopefuls, boosting their chances of competing at London 2012.

Johnson was joined by Double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes and Beijing bronze medallist Louis Smith to award the grants, in partnership with the charity SportsAid.

A similar scheme was implemented last year and Johnson, who revealed he will be doing the same later this year, believes this is just the helping hand the young Londoners require to achieve their Olympic dreams.

"I'm proud to be investing in London's future Olympic stars, who will be the true legacy of the 2012 Games," said Johnson.

"I admire the extreme determination and discipline of these young sports stars and I hope these training grants will help them perform at the highest level.

"These are characteristics I want to see in all of London's young people, which is why I plan to award grants to another 30 young athletes later this year.

"I am joined today by the magnificent Dame Kelly Holmes and Louis Smith, whose outstanding Olympic achievements are an inspiration to us all.

"I would also like to thank SportsAid, who have been instrumental in identifying talented athletes across London.

"The young people here today are a prime example of the talent that exists across London."

Dame Kelly, the 2004 Olympic 800 and 1500 metres champion, said: "SportsAid can play a massive part in helping young talented athletes on their journey to achieving their goals and they couldn't do it without support from partners like the Mayor. 

"SportsAid gives many aspiring young sports people the first recognition of their potential and the financial support which can help them progress. I am looking forward to working closely with SportsAid through my 'On Camp with Kelly' initiative and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust.

"This supports my work with retired sporting champions who deliver mentoring and personal development programmes for young athletes, their parents and coaches within their communities.

"SportsAid helped me when I was young and I look forward to strengthening links with them again in the future."