As the country gears up for the Olympics in 2012, Bishopthorpe Parish Council last night agreed to continue its sponsorship of Tom Quinn a local young man who started his canoeing career at the Lower Wharfe Canoe Club. The PC have sponsored Tom for a number of years now and he has always proudly displayed this fact on his boats. We are proud to continue supporting him in his quest for Olympic glory. In return he continues to inspire local youth.
Tom competes in the C1 and C2 categories and he is currently working towards selection for the GB team for London. Well done Tom!
Here is a piece written by Tom about his quest...
"Dear Members of the Parish Council
As you are aware I represent Great Britain in Canoe Slalom and am pursuing my dream to go to the Olympic Games and become the best in the world. A few months ago I let you know of my results but since then I have finished the domestic season. I have finished 2nd overall in C2 in the National Rankings with my partner George Tatchell, and in C1 I finished 3rd overall, also winning Bronze in the British Open which was a Class C International. This has left me in a perfect position to push for the senior and Olympic team in 2012 and I would like to invite you to support me to achieve my goals, also in the U23 World and European Championships.
As with most sports, canoeing is very costly to stay at the top. For example a paddle costs £170 and I will use 3 a year. A new C1 costs £1400, but I now also have to purchase a C2. The paddling equipment (helmet, buoyancy aid, water proofs) is around £500 a year. Then as well as this there are travel costs and entry fees for national and international races. I would like to ask you to support me in purchasing a new C1 so I can keep my equipment up to date and remain competitive so I can do the best of my abilities in selection for the 2012 Olympics.
I feel that the sponsorship would be a two way thing and it's important that I can help you and the village some way in return. As with last time I would put an acknowledgement on my boat and anything else you would require. I am hoping to go into the schools again so I can help inspire more young people and any other events with which I can help. I have a video blog and twitter feed for following my sporting journey and am currently designing a website.
I look forwards to hearing from you and am available should you require any further information"
If you are interested in following his progress use the link here,
http://www.ntu.ac.uk/sport/olympic_hopefuls/tom_quinn/index.html
Additionally you can follow him on Twitter by signing up to his Twitter feed; @TomQuinnGBR
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