THERE could be some promising sportsmen or sportswomen growing up in the Teignbridge area, capable of making Olympic or international status by 2012. If so, Dartmoor Vale Rotary Club – and in particular new president Geoff Ellis-Smith – would like to hear about the hidden talent. Mr Ellis-Smith would like to make his year in office memorable by promoting young people, particularly those engaged in the sporting field. 'What better way could the club have than by helping to finance the progress of a new, young Jo Pavey or Nathan Douglas,' said the leader of the 35-strong Dartmoor Vale Rotarian group, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Mr Ellis-Smith appreciates the hard grind it is for budding sports personalities to make the break through and stay on track. 'Wouldn't it be nice if we could help a youngster make the grade by the 2012 Olympics?' he asked. The Dartmoor Vale club has become well-known for supporting sporting events for charitable causes. Its annual darts challenge has raised more than £100,000 down the years, money which has funded a Santa Special train outing from Buckfastleigh to Totnes every December for under-privileged children. More recently, Rotarians undertook the task of establishing and running a marathon based at Newton Abbot Racecourse. It was so successful that it has been recognised as the venue for the Devon County Annual Marathon, a race that had been allowed to die within the county and was, in fact, run in Somerset. Proceeds have supported a variety of Rotary charitable projects. This year's marathon is being run from Newton Abbot on Sunday, October 15, and the organisation is being shared with the Women's Running Network. Elsewhere, Mr Ellis-Smith is backing club efforts to boost membership in order that its successful charitable programme can go on flourishing. 'Currently we have more members than that of any single time in the past, but we need people in the 40 to 50 age group with a few hours to spare each week to join our friendly group,' he said. A member of Dartmoor Vale for five years, Mr Ellis-Smith is a company service representative. Married to Barbara, the couple share an interest in Kingskerswell social life as well as Rotary matters.
