Sponsors wanted for GB sailing challenge

A SAILING enthusiast is appealing to Pershore residents and businesses for sponsorship funding so she can help Great Britain to glory this summer. Pershore High School student Amy Johnson will have the opportunity of representing her country in July when she takes part in The Atlantic Challenge International Contest of Seamanship which will be held in France. The competition, which runs over ten days, will see the talented 17-year-old compete in a series of different rowing and sailing races in a 38ft boat called Intergrite against 16 other countries from across the world. To help fund her training, which starts months before the competition begins, Amy is on a £1,000 fund-raising appeal and hopes to get help from businesses and residents to help cover her travel, clothing and boat maintenance costs. Amy, who is also studying in her final year of A-Levels at the Station Road school, has managed to raise some cash already thanks to family members, friends of friends and organising raffles. But time is ticking as Amy needs to raise all the funds by May so she can begin her preparations in good time. This will be Amy's second time representing Great Britain in the competition after making her debut in 2012 when the event was held in Ireland. Speaking to the Observer Amy said representing her country was one of the biggest honours she has had in her lifetime. "I'm really excited to be representing Great Britain and any amount of sponsorship would be greatly appreciated," she said. "My first experience of 2012 was such an amazing experience with the atmosphere and everything and I can't wait to experience it all again. "We will have a much bigger team than we did in 2012 so it means we will have more flexibility and can choose our strongest rowers for races rather than everyone in the team having to row. "I've been sailing for quite a while and got started because my dad got involved in sailing and I then I followed it up from him. I really enjoy sailing and hope to do it for most of my life." Pershore High School headteacher Clive Corbett added: "Everyone at the school is very proud of what Amy achieved in 2012 and what she is going to achieve this year. "I'm always in admiration into how Amy and other students fit these type of activities in around their studies as well. And I'd urge people out there to help out Amy in her quest to do really well for Great Britain this summer." Anyone interested in sponsoring Amy should email her on 006784@pershore.worcs.sch.uk or contact the school on 01386 552471.