Wightlink Catches Up With Sponsored Athletes, Charities And Performers

More than a hundred Isle of Wight sportsmen and women, musicians, performers and people from charities and good causes, all sponsored by Wightlink, gathered in Newport to share their news with the ferry company.

The annual event at Quay Arts brings together many of the individuals and groups who benefit from discounted travel and is always a highlight for Wightlink colleagues who enjoy hearing their stories. 

“It was a treat to chat over coffee and cake with lots of the Islanders we sponsor,” says Wightlink Commercial Director Phil Delaney.

“We support many people who need to travel throughout the country and further afield to compete or perform and always like to catch up with them and find out what’s been happening over the last year.” 

Steve Cook from Ryde Rowing Club says: 

“Wightlink help us with our travel to regattas on the mainland, particularly during the summer season and we’re very grateful.

"They’ve been supporting us since 1987 and we were the first club Wightlink supported – so we’re really proud and pleased that we’ve had this relationship for so long.” 

Dean Terrett, Founder and Chairman of Isle of Wight Search and Rescue, adds: 

“We’re really grateful for the generosity of Wightlink for supporting our charity and the help they’ve given over the past year.

"Wight SAR look for vulnerable missing people on the Isle of Wight, and we have about 30 volunteers who give up their time to help bring people home safely.”

Julie Cooper from Wightlink Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team says: 

“Our regional road race event this year would not have happened without the support of Wightlink.

"With their sponsorship we were able to attract over 150 cyclists and supporters from the mainland to take part and enjoy racing on our fantastic roads.” 

This year, there were also representatives from organisations including Aspire Ryde, Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Ability Dogs 4 Young People IoW, West Wight Arts Association with pianist Thomas Luke and performers Ebb Phillips, Ava Cowan and Amélie Jones. 

Isle of Wight carnival company Shademakers UK is one of four new groups to join Wightlink’s extensive sponsorship scheme in 2023, along with Seaclose Swimming Club, Joel Morris Dance Academy and the MLD Studio – Dance and Performing Arts Academy.  

Wightlink has been supporting Island talent and good causes since 1987, when it started sponsoring Ryde Rowing Club.

Applications for community sponsorship from individuals and groups in 2024 are welcome from the autumn.

Details will be posted online in October.