Bank of Scotland local heroes

THE LONDON Olympics are now little over a year away, with Scottish athletes training furiously to ensure they will be at the top of their game by the time their events take place.

• Lisa McKenzie

They have great skills and massive dedication, but preparing yourself to take on the world's best doesn't come easily or cheaply.

Bank of Scotland's Local Heroes programme is providing invaluable help to our stars of the future. Working in partnership with Sports Aid, the charity helping young British sports stars to succeed, it aims to provide funding for those on their way to London 2012 and beyond.

Many of those who receive backing from the programme are already performing at the highest levels in their chosen activity for their age group. The Local Heroes initiative is partnering with them to work towards the breakthrough which could see them join Team GB or Paralympics GB for the London games.

Bank of Scotland provides vital support, helping as young athletes juggle their demanding and intense training and competition commitments with their normal studies or work.

The Local Heroes scheme helps to cover the cost of equipment, training and travel. Every bit as important is the support, recognition and encouragement the initiative provides.

By next year, it will have supported more than 100 sportspeople across Scotland. As a spokesperson from the bank puts it: "We aim to help our young hopefuls when they need it most."

One young sportswoman who is being helped is fencing champion Lisa McKenzie from Edinburgh. Lisa, who admits to having been smitten with the sport since she was a toddler, already spends around at least 17 hours a week training.

Her selection as a Local hero means a lot to her, she says. "It's inspiring to know that someone has faith in me and is willing to support me in my aspirations.

"Because fencing development relies heavily on appropriate sparring partners, it's necessary for me to compete and train in countries like Italy and Hungary and the financial assistance that I get allows me to do this."

Another Local Hero is ski-ier Ruaridh Newman from Huntly in Aberdeenshire, who currently trains 11 hours a week. "It means a lot because it feels that I am being recognised from outside the cross country world," he says.

"That doesn't happen much in Britain as cross country ski-ing is a minor sport here. It also feels like a reward for all the hard work I do."