The money you raise for the Be a Sport Appeal will be sent directly to SportsAid.

SportsAid is the charity for sports people, helping the next generation of young British sportsmen and women to succeed. Through the support of individuals, corporate partners and other grant-giving organisations, SportsAid is able to provide financial assistance to talented young sports people to help meet costs such as competition fees, travel expenses and equipment costs, which are commonly being borne by the parents.

Here are just a few of the young beneficiaries that SportsAid is currently supporting:

Samantha Quek, Aged 16 - Wirral, Hockey

Sam plays for Chester Hockey Club and represents North of England and England.
She has been playing hockey since she was 10.
Samantha recently won Gold in the 4-nations, beating Holland in a nail-biting penalty shoot out. Sam has now moved to the TASS programme and will receive a Bursary Award worth almost £2,000.
Sam’s ambitions are to train hard and improve in order to be selected for the 2012 Olympics.

Matthew Cliff, Aged 20, Merseyside, Blind Athletics

Matthew was the double Blind World Champion last year on 100 and 200m.  He has just been chosen to represent Great Britain, making his senior international debut in the T12 100m, at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.
Matthew won medals at the 2004 and 2005 International Blind Sports Federation World Youth Championships but missed out on the 2005 European Championships after a bout of pneumonia.

Jo Harper, Aged 18, Derbyshire - Athletics-1500m

Last October to November, Jo was training in South Africa with the 'On camp with Kelly Holmes' scheme. Jo says of the fantastic opportunity “It was a lot of fun, and a great experience.”
Jo’s aims for next season are to get a new Personal Best in the 1500m and to come in the top 3 at the National's.

Jonathan Bell, Aged 14, London - Golf

Jonathan’s current handicap is an impressive 1.7.
He recently played in his first match for England Boy’s U16 v England Girl’s U18. Jonathan won his singles match 5/4 which helped the boy’s team beat the girl’s for the first time in 4 years.
One of his many victories this year was at the 18 and Under North Foreland juvenile Challenge Cup 2004. Jonathan was again triumphant at the Men’s spring Medal 1789 at Royal Blackheath golf club, which he won with a gross 68.
Jonathan was one of the recipients invited by SportsAid to demonstrate his talent to guests attending the 2005 SportsBall held at the Park Lane Hilton, London.

Richard Murphy, Aged 16, Birmingham - Disability Swimming/Athletics

In October last year, Richard received a £250 SportsAid grant to help with his athletics. It turned out to be a great year for him and he enjoyed terrific success both on the track and in the pool.
On the track, he won 17 Gold, 5 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. On the international stage, Richard returned from the European Special Olympic Games in the Czech Republic with a tally of three medals.
He was awarded the L.S. Bronze Medallion and passed the Royal Life Saving Society National Pool Lifeguard Qualification course recently. Richard’s incredible swimming form has earned him 12 Gold, 3 Silver and 2 Bronze medals along with a Special Award from the ASA for Outstanding Recognition.

Sally Hoolin, Aged 17, Lancashire - Ice Skating

Sally and her partner, Jake, became British Primary Pairs Champions in December 2004. The duo have represented Great Britain in recent junior internationals in Eastern Europe and have been asked to compete for GB again in October 2005.
Sally is the only skater in the GB squads to have been chosen for two disciplines. The duo are hoping to compete at the Junior Worlds next year in March.
She is also determined to represent GB at the 2010 winter Olympics.