Private School News

Student awarded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

Evie Paterson, student at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and member of the British Junior Eventing Team in 2009, has been awarded the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Her seven year old horse, Direct Supreme, has also been put on the Equine Pathway.

TASS is a Government funded programme which supports and fast-tracks young sporting talent. Evie submitted her application to the British Eventing Federation in August 2009 who in turn recommended Evie to be considered for TASS. Evie learnt that she had been awarded the TASS at the end of November. The award runs until the end of 2010 and will provide Evie with financial support for Eventing together with a tailored package of services and training facilities. The Equine Pathway looks for world-class and medal winning horses and identifies horses through results linked to different age groups or through viewing of the horses. Its aim is to have horses compete and challenge for medals at the 2012 Olympic Games, 2014 World Equestrian Games and 2016 Olympic Games. Evie and Direct Supreme will benefit from free support and training with the Olympic trainers in order to reach their full potential.

Evie successfully combines her busy Eventing schedule with her life at College where she is an Academic and Sports Scholar. She will be taking A Levels in English, French, History and Maths next summer, is a keen member of the College Debating Team and regularly represents College at Hockey.

Evie said, ‘It is such an honour to have been recognised as a talented athlete worthy of the award particularly because I had heard that TASS were reducing the number of awards given to Eventers this year. I am absolutely thrilled. Next season I will be aiming Direct Supreme at his first Two Star and at the British Junior Team for the Junior European Championships in 2010.’

Photo: Evie Paterson on Direct Supreme at the British Junior Championships in Norfolk