A teenage wrestler from Rutherglen who will represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games this month has appealed for sponsorship help before the action gets underway.
Abbie Fountain is the youngest member of a five-strong squad taking part in the international contest in Birmingham this month.
However, the 18-year-old is currently juggling her training with a part-time job as she raises much-needed funds to get herself the best preparation.
She said: “I’m looking forward to my first big Games, and just being in a big international contest, really.
“I’ve not had many chances for contests like this in the past couple of years because of Covid, so it’s really exciting.
“This might be the last Games with wrestling in it for a while, as it’s an optional sport, so I’m glad I’m getting the chance to take part. It should be a great learning experience.”
And although the Burnside teenager can’t wait to be on the mat later this month, she also believes that sponsorship and extra support would be a huge boost.
She explained: “It’s not just money, anything would be helpful, like a gym membership or food prep, as I’m having to watch that carefully right now, ahead of the Games starting.
“It’s an extra stress for me trying to sort everything and pay for it all, so any help would make a difference for me.”
Abbie first took up the sport eight years ago, and quickly discovered a passion for it.
She was spotted by national coaches and started to travel the country, supported by her parents, with dad Andrew driving her to and from events.
Unfortunately, the former Cathkin High pupil’s progress stalled when Covid struck.
She added: “I missed a lot of qualifying tournaments with Covid happening. As wrestling is an indoor close-contact sport it took ages before being allowed to resume.
“We were training outside and trying to get by that way but it wasn’t ideal.”
Wrestling starts at the Games on July 28 and if anyone wants to help sponsor Abbie they can contact her at abbie.fountain03@gmail.com
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