AS THE team behind UK Athletics, Norwich Union is supporting athletics in the UK from playground to podium, making it easier for athletes to reach their full potential and for the next generation to get active, stay healthy and learn key life skills.

The firm is offering members of the public the chance to play their part.

Through its Join Our Team initiative, Norwich Union is encouraging people to show their support for the Norwich Union GB & NI athletics team, and also help a local sports project in the region to gain the chance to win valuable funding.

Such local initiatives might provide specialist sports facilities or athletics training for young people of all capabilities within the York area.

All people have to do is vote for the local initiative they think deserves their support the most.

Depending on which schemes get the most public votes, Norwich Union will give out bronze awards worth £1,000, silver awards worth £12,500 and a single gold award with a value of £50,000.

There are also opportunities for Join Our Team members to win fantastic prizes every month until the end of the campaign.

The initiative winning the top prize of £50,000 will be announced on October 29, 2007.

There are a number of organisations in the York area bidding to win Join Our Team funding from Norwich Union.

One of them is York Allstars Cheerleading Group, which runs three sessions each week at Canon Lee School, in Rawcliffe Drive, for youngsters aged between five and 17.

The city-based Jorvik Dance Project is seeking funding for its Altitude Dance initiative, which is designed for pupils at Key Stage 1 and 4. After-school dance clubs were held at 31 primary schools in the city and six secondary schools.

Further information on Join Our Team and details on how to register to vote are available by visiting the website www.joinourteam.com