Gateley and SportsAid partner to fund promising athlete from Leeds

A promising young athlete from Leeds is set to receive a fundraising boost thanks to an exciting new partnership between legal and professional services group, Gateley and SportsAid.

Triathlete, Joe Sherman (17), who has quickly risen through the ranks since first discovering the multi-sport, is to receive funding towards travel, accommodation and equipment, as well as access to online workshop support and personal development opportunities. 

The Grammar School at Leeds student soared to World Triathlon Series glory at Under-15s level in Roundhay in 2017 and last year finished second in the nationwide, and highly competitive, Youth and Junior British Super Series.

He is currently in the Yorkshire Triathlon Academy and England Next Generation Squad and hopes to follow in the Brownlee brothers’ glittering footsteps.

The triathlon calendar remains uncertain thanks to the pandemic, but Sherman has no doubt that the support can help catalyse his journey to the bright Olympic lights.

“I want to compete in major world races and championships and ultimately, I want to represent Great Britain at the Olympics,” he said. “This partnership between SportsAid and Gateley has had a huge impact on me – it’s allowed me to buy essential kit that I’ll need for training, particularly as I’m starting to grow and need more kit. 

“As a triathlete, it can also be quite hard to find time to earn extra money, so this support has helped me financially and gives me more freedom to choose what I want to buy.

“It’s also a confidence boost to know that they are willing to put their faith in me, and that I’m following in such a great line of other SportsAid-supported athletes.”

Gateley’s Leeds office, said: “It gives us great pleasure to support Joe. He is an inspiration to so many people and we are thrilled to give him this well-deserved boost. 

“At Gateley, not only do we advise clients across an extensive range of sports, we also place a great emphasis on helping our own people succeed with their physical and mental well-being. Joe has the ambition, work ethic and desire to succeed; values that align perfectly with our own business.”

SportsAid supports over 1,000 athletes each year – the vast majority aged between 12 to 18. The award they receive acts as a real motivational boost as it is often the first recognition that they are given outside of their support network. These athletes are the country’s brightest sporting prospects. They are nominated to SportsAid by the governing bodies of more than 60 sports based on set criteria.