British Ice Skating are hosting an athlete support fund after a donation made by The John Hayward Memorial Challenge. The fund was initially set up ‘to support upcoming skaters to reach their potential within figure skating and help reduce financial barriers associated with competitive skating’ Thanks to the John Hayward Memorial Challenge Charity, this funding will be made available via British Ice Skating for a minimum of 3 years.
About the John Hayward Memorial Challenge
The charity’s sole aim is to support a child's willingness to learn a recreation activity when there are no funds available. The charity is established using the name of John Hayward, a young man who had a passion for ice skating. John’s struggle to become a world class ice performer was supported by hard work and love. And like for so many, it wasn’t easy. The Trust's aim is not to make learning easy, but to provide the access to the necessary skills and equipment when they don't exist in your local area.
About John Hayward
As John was growing up, he was a lively, exuberant youngster - always full of fun and laughter. And when he discovered ice-skating, the sheer joy of performing and entertaining on skates became the focus of his life. His family supported and encouraged him as he worked hard, not just on the ice but, once he became old enough, in various jobs to help pay for extra training, extra practice time and additional equipment such as stilts ... yes STILTS - he used them in one of his on ice gala performances!
He may not have had the television appearances of a Curry, Cousins or Torvill & Dean but he sure knew how to entertain the crowd! This exceptional talent eventually gave him the chance to travel far and wide performing with “Holiday on Ice” - the spectacular show bringing colour and excitement into the lives of so many people in so many different countries around the world.
Shortly after celebrating his 30th birthday, the family were devastated to learn of his untimely death in France. The words that sprang to mind for all who knew and worked with him were ‘what a waste. A waste of talent - and of a vibrant young life’!
It was John’s zest for life, love of performing and dedication to his skating that prompted the family to set up the Fund and here we are now, helping to bring it to the BIS Membership.
In this first funding cycle, there are 6 individual awards to be presented to skaters. Please see the criteria and application form below.
Funding
• 6 x £500 awards will be made to selected athletes to support their competitive skating.
• To be spent within 12 months of the funds being awarded.
• The funds must be spent on:
o Equipment
o Training Camps
o Competition Entries
o Additional Learning opportunities
o Travel Expenses
Eligibility Criteria
Athletes applying for the fund must meet the eligibility criteria below:
• Age between 7 - 14 years of sporting age.
• Minimum Skating level:
· 7-8 years old (sporting age): BIS level 1 skills
· 9-11 years old (sporting age): BIS level 3 skills
· 12 – 14 years old (sporting age): BIS level 5 skills
• Must be in Fulltime education (a requirement of the charity)
• A valid BIS Member.
• Not serving any suspensions relating to Anti-Doping or disciplinary offences.
Application and Selection
Application forms (Appendix 1) must be fully completed and sent to Andrew.Hibberd@iceskating.org.uk by 4th February 2024.
Applications not fully completed or received after the deadline will not be considered for funding. However, this does not mean that you cannot reapply for the next funding cycle.
The Selection Panel will be made up of representatives of British Ice Skating - across all disciplines and will be announced before the close of applications.
Selection will be based on the following criteria:
• The need for financial support to continue training and competitive opportunities.
• Results and progression through British Ice Skating pathways and Club competitions.
With the possibility of an online interview with members of the selection panel for shortlisted candidates
Timeline
1st January – Funding is launched (Applications open)
4th February – Application Deadline
W/C 19th Feb Panel Meetings
March - Awards announced
For all enquiries please contact Andrew.Hibberd@iceskating.org.uk