Aimed at celebrating local talent, the initiative supports our resident athletes, artists and performers on their path to high-level success.

The 2023 cohort showcases the diversity of talent on the Island, from an eight-year-old dressage rider to a kickboxing champion looking to defend his national title.

Throughout the year, Red Funnel will support the Island Ambassadors by aiding the transition from local to national competition and status with travel sponsorship.

Meet the Isle of Wight residents selected as Red Funnel Island Ambassadors

BB Racing, Supermoto Racing Team

Racing partners and couple Tahnee Attwood and Mikey Whitham have their sights set on the top spot for both male and female Supermoto divisions this year.

Beth Brookfield, singer and songwriter

A well-known talent across the Island, Beth played the 2022 IW Festival mainstage and featured as part of the Island’s first TED Talk, now looking to take her original music across the Solent.

Chris Stay, motorcycle trials champ

Trials riding since the age of seven. Chris has already achieved British champion status several times, but now aims to reclaim the title this year and be competitive both nationally and internationally.

Coach Party, signed artist 

Having already performed at a sold-out Stade de France, the Brixton Academy and multiple festivals, Coach Party will release new music are head off on tour this year.

Corey Kent, autistic jiu jitsu ambassador

Corey has medalled at every event and has been selected as a ‘Fighting for Autism’ ambassador, and is aiming for the British Open Championship this year.

Dominic Marsh, kickboxing champion

The current WAKO British Kickboxing Champion, Dom was selected for Team GB last year. For 2023, he looks to defend his national title, while also climbing the ranks internationally.

Esme Colley, junior dressage rider

At just eight years old, Esme and her pony Tristan compete in British Dressage with several accolades to her name. This year, she wants to continue to work hard toward achieving her dream as being part of the British Dressage Junior Team

Jess Burfitt, junior competitive dancer

Ten year old Jess has already been successful at national finals and major competitions such as ‘So You Want to Dance’, where she was the highest scoring junior soloist and awarded a scholarship to Pineapple Dance Studios.

Josh Oddy, pro-golfer

Turning pro in 2020, Josh now plays golf full time around the world with his sights set on this year’s European Tour. Alongside competition, Josh runs a successful golfing TikTok, sharing training and techniques for golf enthusiasts.

Liberty Lee, junior gymnastics champ

Competing regionally, seven-year-old Liberty won gold in the Under 8’s South of England Gymnastics Championships, and looks forward to going up the levels and learning new floor routines for her competitions.

Sam Hodgson, pro mountain biker

Creating his own mountain bike training centre on his family’s farm near Shorwell, Sam has been competing professionally all over the world for two years. For 2023, Sam looks forward to inspiring others to get into the sport, hosting events here on the Island and travelling to train and compete.

Sarah Holmes, event rider

Sarah competes professionally at the UK’s top equestrian events in all three disciplines – dressage, show jumping and cross country, and hopes to bring her younger horses up the grades, while competing her own horse Fleur at 5*– a standard higher than the Olympics.

Wightflight Siberian Huskies, Dog Sled Racing and Show Team

Owner Julie trains her husky team here on the Island, competing across the UK at Dog Sled Racing. Julie also shows her beloved huskies as working dogs, with Sparky awarded Champion Dog in 2022 and Lacey heading for Crufts this month.