A young Swindon skater Sabrina Sheikh is seeking sponsorship to enable her to pursue her Olympic dream.

Thirteen year old Sabrina recently claimed the bronze medal at the British Novice Championships. She is determined that this is just a first step towards gold at the British Ladies Championships and a place in the Olympic team.

But the cost of skating is proving more than her family can support. Already her parents, Sue and Qahir, are having to find £6,000 a year. This will increase to £10,000 as Sabrina develops. Coaching and the cost of competitions will absorb up to £6,000. Boots alone cost her £700 and costumes, even though made by Sue, add up to between £600 and £800. If the financial cost is high, this is matched by Sabrina's dedication.

She trains at the Link Centre each day before school, from 5am to 8am. Off-ice fitness training takes up another 7 hours a week. To achieve this and maintain high academic grades takes considerable discipline.

Coaches Lesley Norfolk Pearce and Natasha Larkin are particularly impressed by Sabrina's natural artistic manner. They believe she has the potential to reach for the top and are frustrated by the lack of support for young British sportsmen and women.

Sabrina's next goal is qualification for the British Primary Championships. "I have worked hard for over six years to get this far," says Sabrina. "But only with adequate sponsorship will I be able to be a serious competitor and realise my Olympic ambitions."

Sabrina Sheikh can be contacted via
Swindon's Link magazine on (01793) 872282.

Sabrina with her mum Sue, who makes her
dresses designed by her sister Yasmin