BLACKPOOL fencer David Heaton's bid for a gold medal at next year's Paralympics received a major boost this week.

David, from Kincraig Place, Bispham, has been given a sponsorship grant by Barclaycard worth more than £2,000. The money will help to fund his training for the 2000 games in Sydney.

The 25-year-old, who is Britain's top ranked Paralympic fencer, was among 100 British sportsmen and women nominated for a grant as part of the Barclaycard Team 2000 scheme, designed to give financial aid to promising young athletes.

Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, presented the wheelchair-bound athlete with the grant cheque at Blackpool Sports Centre.

David said: "In the past I've had to raise money through friends and family, so this is a big boost.

"I aim to improve on my world ranking this year, qualify for Sydney and win a medal."

David, who is currently ranked ninth in the world, has been a part of Britain's fencing team at the last two Paralympics. He was the youngest member of the British team at the 1992 Barcelona games, where he won a bronze medal in the sabre event.

He admitted: "I was a little overawed in Barcelona, but now I feel I'm reaching my peak. This is the time to bring back a medal." David is currently training hard for this year's World Cup competitions, the first of which will be held in Spain next month.

He will also be going for gold at the European Championships to be held in Poland in July.

Presenting the cheque, Joan Humble said: "I think this is an excellent initiative providing much needed support for David to fulfil his athletic ambitions.

"I'm sure we would all want to wish David good luck at the next Paralympics.

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