Nottinghamshire County Council is wishing athletes with Nottinghamshire connections every success at the Commonwealth Games which start this week.

The county council has provided funding to a number of different athletes through its Shining Stars fund either currently or in the past.

The Games start in Glasgow on Wednesday with the opening ceremony, and the county council will be watching the progress of local stars with interest.

Council chairman Councillor Pauline Allan said: “We wish all of the local athletes success at the Commonwealth Games – they are all great role models in sport for everyone in Nottinghamshire and we are looking forward with great anticipation to the Games.”

Current recipients of Shining Stars funding who will be representing Team England include:

• David Fletcher, cycling,
• Rebecca Downie, gymnastics,
• Sam Oldham, gymnastics,
• Oliver Hynd, Swimming
• Sam Walker, Table Tennis.

Those who have received Shining Stars funding in the past include:
• Peter Mills, Badminton
• George Pinner, Hockey
• Adam Dixon, Hockey
• Natalie Blake, Weightlifting.

And Stephen Lisgo, Steeplechase, who will represent Team Scotland, is also a former recipient of Shining Stars funding.