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Jamie's dream alive with Heroes scheme

4/ 9/2008

HEYWOOD’S rising volleyball star Jamie Baker insists his selection for the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes scheme is already enhancing his dream of emulating Olympic hero Chris Hoy at London 2012.

The 17-year-old Siddal Moor Sports College pupil is one of 250 emerging Brits who will receive £1,000 each year in the run up to London 2012 – plugging a financial gap as Baker is yet to achieve World Class lottery funding.

Sheffield Volleyball Club member Baker will also benefit from the know how of Lloyds TSB local hero mentors including former Olympic triple-jump champion Jonathan Edwards.

And after watching Hoy claim three golds in Beijing as Team GB finished fourth on the medal table with 19 golds, their most successful Games in a century, the England Junior Squad member is determined to share the limelight with the flying Scot at London 2012.

"The Olympics are a realistic aim in 2012, we haven’t always had enough money and we fund ourselves most of the time but hopefully in the build up to 2012 that will change and we can get there," he said.

"It would mean everything to be part of that. There have been so many great moments this summer and I would love the volleyball squad to share in those in four years time.

"The Lloyds money has come in really useful. It costs a lot to travel to training in Sheffield and to competitions and we have to fund lots of it ourselves.

"My short-term aim is to get to the European Junior Championships with the team that would be a great achievement.

"Hopefully that experience and the money will help me be ready for 2012, and it would be an incredible experience."

Baker – whose side have just been promoted to the country’s top tier – has been rewarded for his form with a call up to the England tour of Scandinavia.

And former Olympic and World Champion Edwards, who still holds the triple jump world record, is predicting a golden future for Baker.

"There is a lot of money in sport now through the lottery but Jamie is not quite good enough just yet to take advantage," said Edwards.

"He still makes a huge commitment in time and money in order to do what he does and he doesn’t get a lot back. This relieves a bit of pressure and gives him a boost.

"Sport can be lonely so when someone comes along and believes in you enough to give you £1,000 it makes you realise you will make it after all."

Lloyds TSB is providing up to £1,000 to 250 emerging young sportspeople identified each year across Britain, in the run up to London 2012 and beyond. Visit www.Lloydstsb.com/Localheroes