The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has announced its support for Five Islands Academy on St Mary’s with 200 Scillonian III tickets – giving pupils the chance to compete in sporting events on the mainland throughout the academic year.
With tight school budgets, the sponsorship means island children can take part in a variety of competitive sporting events they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to get to.
The first event will see 20 children heading to the Small Schools Football Competition 2023 at Archbishop Benson School in Truro in October, followed by tennis, tag rugby, athletics and girls’ football events.
In the past the Steamship Group has sponsored travel to sporting events in the mainland on a smaller scale, with Five Islands Academy winning the Cornwall Schools Games in tennis, rugby, athletics and football.
The school keeps costs down by sleeping at Mounts Bay Academy, also part of the Leading Edge Academies Partnership.
Teacher Adam May, from Five Islands Academy, said: “We are delighted and grateful to have the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group as a major sponsor for our travel to sporting events and competitions for this academic year.
“It will enrich our physical education offer by allowing children from all of our island bases to experience challenge and enjoyment in competitions on the mainland.”
Stuart Reid, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the pupils at Five Islands Academy in this way. It’s one of the ways we are giving something back to the island community we are so proud to be a part of.
“We look forward to seeing the children in the spotlight and wish them the very best in their sporting endeavours.”