10 Aug 2009

TRANMERE TRAMPOLINER RAISES FUNDS TO SAY "DA!" TO RUSSIA TRIP!

A Wirral teenager living in the Housing Market Renewal area of Tranmere is hoping to somersault to St Petersberg as he prepares to compete in a World Class Trampolining Championship in Russia.

15 year old Luke Strong who has recently returned from competing in Birmingham and Holland is hoping to take part in the 2012 Olympics.

He was one of 70+ children who came along to the Trampoline Youth Club in Tranmere looking for something to do and was soon such a rising star that he began to train at the local sports centre before being picked up by the City of Liverpool Trampolining Squad. He has represented Britain on a number of occasions.

Luke now needs to raise nearly £2000 to be able to go to Russia to participate in a World Class competition for those training to be in the Olympics.

Barbara Dunn, Secretary of the Tranmere Action Group which founded the young people's trampolining group said:

"We were astounded by what a natural talent Luke was and are delighted he is moving forward with what could be a fabulous sporting career. We work very hard to fundraise for whatever Luke needs to enter the competitions both at home and abroad but we always need more. It's an expensive sport, a leotard alone can cost £85 and the tunnel fees to get him to training every year cost £1700 but we don't believe when you're as talented and committed as Luke that your background should hinder your ambitions."

The oldest of four children Luke said:

"I am so grateful to the people who enable me to continue with a sport that I love. I can't believe the amount of things I've been able to do since I started trampolining and I'm totally dedicated to it. I'm very proud to represent my country and I hope to be able to do that for a long time to come."

Luke is set to go to Russia in November, anyone wishing to help Luke with sponsorship or funding should contact Barbara Dunn on 07759 59 22 98.