Lloyd Cowan Bursary - Funding Available for Young Athletes and Athletics Coaches!

CONTINUING AN ICONIC LEGACY...

Photographer: Ernest Simons

Twenty-eight years ago, Lloyd Cowan MBE represented the UK in the 1994 Commonwealth Games in the 110m hurdles. After a successful career as an athlete, Lloyd made the most of his athletic experiences by coaching a realm of young athletes, many of whom achieved incredible success under Lloyd's wing. One of these was Christine Ohuruogo MBE, who has claimed Olympic, World and Commonwealth titles to her name.

Sadly, Lloyd passed away in January 2021 after complications related to contracting COVID-19. To carry on Lloyd's legacy and to further support young and budding athletes, the Lloyd Cowan Bursary was rapidly established to support unfunded athletes aged 16-23. It's not just athletes who are eligible, either. Coaches can also apply for funding, making this the first bursary of its kind in the UK.

Here at Neuff Athletic, we are immensely proud to support this bursary wherever possible. And what's more, athletes who are successful in receiving funding will also receive a discount code to spend at Neuff, which can help provide essential equipment for athletes and coaches. Simply message us with proof of your funding, and we will set this up for you!

A little while back, we chatted with the Lloyd Cowan Bursary team, namely Christine Ohuruogu, Frank Attoh, Abdul Buhari and Melanie Anning for a feature in Athletics Weekly.

Read on to hear more about the bursary from the team themselves!

What has the support for the bursary been like since its launch?

"We have been overwhelmed by the support received for the bursary. Lloyd Cowan, MBE, was a much-loved athlete and coach. He positively impacted many people's lives because he was such a generous individual and freely shared his expertise, craft and support.

Countless individuals and organisations have lent their support to the bursary. One of the main reasons is that we do not just support young athletes. We also support coaches, the unsung heroes behind all athletes.

The athletes we help do not have to be the best in their age group; though some are, they need to be young people for whom cost is a potential barrier to fulfilling their potential at whatever level, and a small grant will make a big difference."

How much of a difference has this bursary made to your recipients?

"One coach cried when they received a grant and told us that in 20 years of coaching, they had never received any financial support and used their earnings and savings to enable them to fund their coaching. Another spoke about how receiving the grant was recognition and reinforced why the sacrifices they make are worth it. One young athlete spoke about the grant enabling them to buy much-needed kit to continue training and how this support during the pandemic had made a difference. So many athletes have set personal bests and even broken age group records, wearing spikes and kit they bought with their grant."

Have there been any notable competitions or events in which recipients have participated in?

"Two of the first recipients competed at the European U18 Championships in Jerusalem this year. We cannot claim it is because of the bursary, but at their age, as costs increase to participate in their sport, every penny helps. They are Tendai Nyabadza (Andrew Ross, Harmeny) and Rebecca Grieve (Francis Smith, Pitreavie), who won bronze and gold respectively.

There is also Jaiden Dean who broke the British indoor U17 60mH record, as well as Onye Okoh who set a UK age 17 beat in the 100mH.

Coaches we have supported have had athletes competing at major championships and winning age-group titles, such as Anita Richardson, who coaches U20 Success Eduan of Sale Harriers."

What are your hopes for the bursary moving forward?

"We want the bursary to grow and for it to be able to support many more unfunded young athletes and coaches. We hope to ensure that Lloyd's legacy lives on and we can continue honouring his goals of helping individuals develop and thrive in athletics."

HOW CAN I APPLY?

For this year's bursary, applications are welcomed until the 13th of October. Submit your application by clicking here.

So far, the bursary has raised just over £63,000 in donations. If you want to help even more athletes to follow their dreams, please donate to the Lloyd Cowan Bursary by clicking here.

Whatever your discipline, your level, or your aspirations... Neuff is here to support you along the way!