Young athletes are leaping for joy as well as over hurdles as they celebrate a funding boost.

Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers and Athletics Club will receive a £750 donation as part of the Persimmon Homes South Coast Healthy Communities programme.

The scheme involves Persimmon giving away more than £600,000 to sporting causes over the next year, with an overall top national prize of £200,000 in addition to numerous regional donations. 

Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers and Athletics Club has been providing sporting opportunities for children in the Weymouth and Portland area for more than 100 years.

Coaching co-ordinator Tracy Moore said: “The club takes children from the age of eight and, regardless of ability, give them regular training sessions and competition. 

“We have always been careful to keep weekly training subs low to encourage everyone to join, and we subsidise club transport and competition fees to give everyone an equal opportunity to represent the club. This support from Persimmon Homes will help us continue to enable local children to participate and succeed in athletics.” 

Every month this year, Persimmon Homes South Coast will hand out £750 to either a sports team, or individual aged 21 years and under in the area, with the money to be spent on kit, equipment, coaching or facilities.

A shortlist of 30 will then be created for a national final to be decided on a public vote, with the winning club or individual receiving £200,000 to create a long-lasting legacy and two runners-up receiving £50,000 each.
The new fund is in addition to the £720,000 the company already donates through its Community Champions scheme each year.

Matt Paine, managing director for Persimmon Homes South Coast, added: “Weymouth St Paul’s Harriers is renowned in the area for its work with athletes of all ages, especially children with learning or behaviour challenges, so we are delighted to support them.

“We still have thousands of pounds to give away through the Healthy Communities scheme, so we’d urge sports groups and individuals to get online and apply.”

To find out more or to enter the competition, visit www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.