GB START ROWER WILLIAM KING RECEIVES A CHEQUE FROM JOE SIMS, EASST TRUSTEE IN SUPPORT OF HIS CAMPAIGN TO BECOME AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION

William King, a former student of William de Ferrers and Coopers Coburn School Upminster, is about to embark on a new chapter in his life. The former Essex County and London Division Rugby player has been scooped up by GB Rowing as they believe he has the strength and ability to be an Olympic Rowing Champion in Rio 2016.

He is leaving his home in Latchingdon to live in Cambridge, where he has gained a place at Anglia Ruskin University to study Sports Science. He will be training in Cambridge and Ely under the guidance of one of seven select GB rowing coaches as part of the GB Rowing Start programme. GB Rowing provides the coaching and support staff, the rest is down to William. It is now down to his commitment and determination. He will be training twice a day, seven days a week, and attending eight weekend training camps at the National Water Sports Centre Nottingham each year.

With no funding for the athletes it will not only be a great challenge physically but financially too. He has been advised to contact local charities and companies for support, which has been rather a tough task in the current financial climate.

William wrote to EASST (Essex & Southend Sports Trust) about his achievement and is extremely grateful for their generous donation in support of his mission; He said "This money will pay for this year's training camps and a bit of kit too, which is fantastic". EASST The Charity for Sport in Essex can be contacted via email: jwh_sims@hotmail.co.uk

William is embarking on a six year programme for this once in a lifetime opportunity. His expenses will include living, travel and kit including purchasing his own boat.