This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

Two groups have offered to help these young athletes wanting to compete in the UK.

SPONSORSHIP offers flew in yesterday to increase the chances of young local athletes being able to compete in the UK.

In yesterday’s Guernsey Press, the GIAAC’S head of junior track and field Richard Cowling said that a rise in Flybe’s fares to Southampton had put participation in the UK Young Athletic League in doubt. Now two groups have come forward to help fund the day trips.

Mr Cowling said the response had been amazing so far. ‘Hopefully, we can work something out this week. It looks as though the first match at least is saved,’ he said. And there could be more to come as he tries to get each of the five legs funded.

But he was still disappointed with the airline.

‘A positive reaction from Flybe would be most appreciated,’ he said.

Flybe’s general manager of market development Ian Taylor claimed that the club had not contacted the airline directly for a group booking, something Mr Cowling categorically refuted.

Mr Taylor also said that the fares had not doubled, as the GIAAC claimed – Mr Cowling said they had.

Mr Taylor pointed to its record with the Guernsey Rugby Club as evidence that it did offer good deals when groups approached it early.

He asked for Mr Cowling to get in touch to see if anything could be arranged.

‘We’re not in the business of making it difficult for people travelling to and from Guernsey. I think our history over recent years has shown we’ve increased passengers coming in and out. We’re not looking to make it prohibitive,’ he said.

‘We’re not averse to looking at this now – it’s something we do all the time.’

Flybe’s rival on the Southampton route, Blue Islands, was last week given permission to fly larger aircraft there, having been restricted to no more than a 19-seater.

It has not yet decided what type of aircraft to use.

‘The new aircraft will not be available in time for this season,’ said chairman Derek Coates.

‘But let’s hope that next year Blue Islands can help ensure our young people are not treated in this thoughtless, overly commercial manner.’

One of the possible sponsors wants to remain anonymous until the details are agreed.

The other offer came from support group Dads and Mums Against Drugs.

Dmad is active only if people approach it for help and has been looking for suitable sponsorship opportunities for money it has already raised.

‘We just phoned up and said we’d give a cheque to help out,’ said a Dmad spokesman.

‘It’s going towards children and that is what the money was originally raised for.’

The group has offered £2,500.

Mr Cowling said that the GIAAC’S committee still needed to agree to any sponsorship deals.