Wightlink Celebrates Island Community Champions At Annual Event

More than 200 representatives from charities, sports clubs, arts organisations and community groups have come together to celebrate the people making a difference across the Isle of Wight.

The annual Wightlink in the Community event was held at Quay Arts in Newport on 30 June, recognising the achievements of organisations and individuals supported through the ferry operator's long-running community sponsorship programme.

The event also gave guests the opportunity to network and share stories of their successes.

Among those attending were Noah Gartell, who has recently been selected to represent England's Under-16 snooker team, players from Oakfield Youth FC, fresh from winning the Midsolent League title, Ability Dogs 4 Young People, which is celebrating the training of its 100th puppy, and members of Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight, who showcased their medals and trophies.

Wightlink currently supports more than 50 sports, charitable and cultural organisations, as well as more than 80 athletes through the Isle of Wight Council's Talented Athlete Scheme, helping with cross-Solent travel so they can compete, train and access opportunities on the mainland.

Chief Executive Katy Taylor said:

"This event reminds us of the remarkable people, organisations and achievements that make the Isle of Wight such a special place.

"From athletes competing on the national and international stage to charities, community groups and researchers making a real difference every day, it's a privilege supporting them to achieve their goals.

"We know that travelling to the mainland is often essential, and we're proud that our support helps make more mainland travel possible so these inspiring organisations and individuals can continue to achieve great things."

Among those praising the scheme was Ability Dogs 4 Young People, which said Wightlink's support has been invaluable when travelling to collect puppies and attend veterinary appointments.

Athletes Sam Speak and Juliet Irvine, who compete in underwater hockey, said the sponsorship has helped them travel to Great Britain training camps, while researchers from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Sciences said the ferry operator's support has been vital in carrying out environmental research around the Isle of Wight.

Members of the Solent Synchro ice skating team also highlighted the importance of the travel sponsorship, which enables them to train twice a week on the mainland following the closure of the Island's ice rink.

For almost 40 years, Wightlink's community programme has helped Island organisations and talented individuals access opportunities beyond the Solent through travel sponsorship.