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Wightlink Celebrates Achievements Of Sponsored Athletes, Sports And Arts Groups 

More than a hundred sportsmen and women, talented athletes and representatives from arts groups, charities and good causes across the Isle of Wight have come together in Newport.

The gathering was part of a meeting with sponsors Wightlink about their achievements and future plans.

All receive support with cross-Solent travel through the ferry company’s community initiatives.

The event at Quay Arts was the first in-person gathering for the group since the end of pandemic restrictions.

“It was wonderful to catch up again with our friends and find out what they have been doing,” says Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield.

“We sponsor 64 talented athletes through a scheme run by the Isle of Wight Council to help them compete on the mainland, as well as many arts groups, sports teams and associations, charities and good causes.


Board to be wild — members of John Cattle's Skate Club

Open water swimmer, 84-year-old Jenny Ball, who competes on the mainland, said:

“I’m very proud to be sponsored by Wightlink as part of the Talented Athlete scheme. There are a lot of opportunities to take part in sport on the Island and I’d say you’re never too old.” 

Twenty members of the Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team rode into Newport to join the event.

They are looking forward to the final stage of the Tour of Britain on Sunday September 11 that will finish at The Needles and have already made a video of the challenging and inspiring route to encourage other cyclists to give it a try. 

Members of Ryde Rowing Club, John Cattle’s Skate Club, the Island’s Junior Ice Hockey Club and Royal Victoria Yacht Club were also there, along with Newport Jazz Club, the Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, West Wight Arts Association, Fusion Arts Academy and many more. 

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