Over 100 Island residents, sponsored by Wightlink, recently convened in Newport for an annual update on their activities.

The sponsored individuals and groups gain ferry travel assistance to compete, perform, or connect on the mainland, with their stories often shared on Wightlink's community Facebook page.

Various talents joined the crowd at Quay Arts, including cyclists, rowers, footballers, sailors, skateboarders, musicians, and singers.

Thomas Luke and the IWSOThomas Luke and the IWSO (Image: Allan Marsh)

Discus thrower Nick Percy, who has been sponsored for 14 years and competes internationally, plans to represent Great Britain at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Wightlink has forged several conservation partnerships, including working with the Blue Marine Foundation to sustain oyster nurseries at Lymington port, replenishing local shellfish stocks.

Discus thrower Nick Percy Discus thrower Nick Percy (Image: Supplied)

Additionally, they provide cross-Solent travel support to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and collaborate with marine scientists for educational outreach activities.

Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation also benefit from assistance in transporting young white-tailed eagles as part of a local release initiative.

The event also celebrated the winners of Wightlink’s £10,000 Green Innovation Fund, which includes electric cargo bike courier service Keert and the Waterside Community Trust in Ryde.

Islanders wishing to receive community sponsorship in 2025 can submit applications from October 1, 2024.

Dr Luke Helmer, Steve Egerton-Read and Katiana SaleikoDr Luke Helmer, Steve Egerton-Read and Katiana Saleiko (Image: Supplied)

Discus thrower Nick Percy is about to represent Great Britain at the Paris Olympics 2024. He said: "Throughout my career as an athlete, it has been incredible to have Wightlink’s support. When I was younger, I was training on the mainland four times a week and the sponsorship meant I could compete with the best."

Julie Cooper from the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team said: "We’ve got the talent on the Island, but our young men and women need to cross the Solent to race against the country’s best cyclists. We wouldn’t have a race team if it wasn’t for the sponsorship."

Steve Egerton-Read from Forestry England said: "Our project to reintroduce white-tailed eagles is going well with 29 birds released so far but it's a long journey for the birds from Scotland and it's good to have Wightlink's support to cross the Solent when they're almost at their new home."