Carrbridge snowboarder Emily Rothney (16) will represent Team GB in the up-and-coming Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in Georgia.
Emily has been making a big impression on the European circuit this winter and says it’s a dream come true to be selected for Team GB for this winter sports extravaganza in Bakuriani next month (9th – 16th February). Taking part in Slopestyle and Big Air, Emily has been supported in her sports progression by the Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS).
ATAS is delivered through a partnership between sportscotland and High Life Highland and is designed to help performance level athletes living within the Highland area who face considerable travel costs for training and competitions.
Commenting on her selection, Emily said: “I am really excited to be part of Team GB and hugely grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as an athlete and forever thankful for all the support I have received.”
Another ATAS athlete who has recently been called up for to represent his country is Ross County Athletics Club runner Andrew Baird. He has been selected to represent Scotland in the U20 category at the Home Countries International and Celtic Nations XC in Yorkshire next month (8th February).
Andrew commented: “My ATAS funding has allowed me to travel for competitions and training across Britain. Opportunities to compete at higher levels have helped me achieve better performances resulting in my Scotland selection. I’m really looking forward to representing Scotland at Leeds.”
Darren Reid, Head of Sport Development at High Life Highland said: “Everyone here at High Life Highland is absolutely delighted for Emily, getting her Team GB call up is an extremely proud moment. And a massive congratulations to Andrew on his selection to represent Scotland at the Home Counties International. We are wishing them both the very best of luck.
“At High Life Highland we continue to support our talented athletes to ensure they are given the best opportunity to compete in their chosen sport at the highest level. They are all doing the region proud and putting the Highlands on the map. The travel award scheme – which opens again for applications next month – plays a big part in allowing us to provide some level of help and we are grateful to sportscotland for this support.”
Talented Highland athletes are being invited to apply for the next round of ATAS funding which opens on 3rd February. The national scheme – which was set up in 2020 – is funded by sportscotland and administered by High Life Highland. ATAS supports travel costs for talented athletes from the Outer Hebrides, Orkney, Shetland and Highland to gain better access to competitive and developmental opportunities. For more information go here: Highland Athlete Travel Award Scheme – Sport
