AFTER a year of outstanding achievements, local windsurfer and Olympic hopeful Izzy Hamilton has won her first commercial sponsorship with Bude-based company, Bott.

Izzy, 17, made history in August 2009 when she became the first ever Brit to win gold at the Youth World Championships in Bodrum, Turkey.  Competing in the youth and senior classes, she finished the year by being awarded RYA South West Region Young Sailor of the Year and was chosen for the Olympic (Skandia Team GBR) Development Squad.

Izzy first came to Bott's attention after taking part in a sports event with Olympic sailor Joe Glanfield at her school, Budehaven Community College.  Izzy says:  "After competing, I had a phone call from the company offering me sponsorship.  It was a fantastic surprise.  I've put the money towards my trailer, which will now be carrying the Bott name as I train and compete around the UK and Europe."

Speaking for Bott, the leading manufacturers of workplace and in-vehicle storage solutions, managing director Clive Woodward adds:  "We were very impressed by Izzy's commitment to her sport.  She has a very positive attitude and will be a great ambassador for Cornwall as she competes around the world. As a local employer, we are keen to show our support for her and very pleased that she has been able to make practical use of our sponsorship.  We will be following her career closely, hopefully right through to Olympic success."