Wightlink Continues Support For Isle Of Wight Talented Athlete Scheme

Wightlink is continuing its long-standing support for the Isle of Wight Talented Athlete Scheme, helping Island competitors travel to the mainland for training and competitions.

A total of 82 athletes across 23 different sports will benefit from the scheme during 2026, which aims to support talented non-professional sportspeople as they develop their careers.

As part of its sponsorship, Wightlink will provide discounted ferry travel, helping athletes overcome the challenges of competing from an island location.

The programme, which runs from January to December, is coordinated by Isle of Wight Council and supported by a number of Island partners including 1Leisure, Love Running, Cowes Chiropractic Clinic, RMA Sports Injury Clinic, Sports Performance Centre and Amanda Buggy Soft Tissue Therapy & Nutrition.

Sam Woodman, Partnerships Marketing Manager at Wightlink, said the ferry company is proud to continue backing the initiative.

He explained that travel can often be a barrier for Island athletes, and the support helps them attend training sessions, competitions and development programmes on the mainland.

Athletes must meet strict eligibility criteria to be accepted onto the scheme, including achieving recognised rankings from their sport’s national governing body.

Both elite athletes and junior performers aged 18 or under can qualify.

Successful applicants also receive free access to leisure centres, as well as discounts on retail, physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment and nutrition services.

Alec Broome of the Isle of Wight Council said the scheme continues to grow thanks to the commitment of sponsors like Wightlink, helping Island athletes compete on a level playing field.

One of the athletes benefiting from the programme, long-distance triathlete Mark Longford, said the travel support makes a “real difference” when it comes to training and racing on the mainland.

Wightlink says it looks forward to following the progress of the 2026 athletes as they represent the Island in competitions throughout the year.