A HOCKEY star from Odiham will receive support from Hampshire County Council when she competes in the Rio Olympic Games.

Alex Danson, who won a bronze medal at London 2012, is one of seven athletes from Hampshire who are taking part in the major sporting event in Brazil.

The two Olympians and five Paralympians have all benefitted from the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme (HTAS), which provides financial, training and nutritional support to the county’s most promising athletes from county to international level.

HTAS provides grants for competitions and travel costs, free training at leisure centres and free bus travel.

The scheme also offers fast track physiotherapy and sport science support, as well as public speaking and presentation skills training to inspire the next generation of athletes and encourage schoolchildren to be more active.

It is co-ordinated by Sport Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on behalf of the county council.

Councillor Andrew Gibson, the council’s executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “We’re very proud of the support we’ve provided these magnificent seven athletes, as well as many other sportsmen and women who aspire to achieve similar goals.

“The Rio-bound athletes have all worked incredibly hard and showed great dedication.

“But we know from speaking to them how much of a difference HTAS has made to their sporting careers.

“While some top athletes are supported by national sporting bodies, for others in some sports, there’s a gap - particularly for young athletes.

“It’s a rigorous process to be selected for HTAS.

“We wish them all the best of luck and hope to see them return from Rio with medals.”

Alex has been named in the Great Britain women’s hockey squad competing at the Rio Olympics.

Through HTAS she has visited local schools to inspire the county’s next generation.