Brightstar Financial has launched its Young Brightstars sponsorship programme.

The specialist distributor has provided bursaries to invest in the development of two “outstanding” young sports stars. Cricketer, Thinod Vilhan Balage Don, and rugby player, Ovie Jeyibo, who both attend Brentwood School, have been selected by Brightstar because of what the company sees as their exceptional talent and tireless work ethic.

The launch of Young Brightstars forms part of the distributor’s wider Young Learners Programme, which aims to encourage and engage young people with the world of financial services, providing opportunities for work experience placements, taster days and mentoring opportunities.

As part of the Young Learners Programme, Brightstar recently attended a careers convention at Brentwood School and director of people Ddevelopment, Clare Jupp, has spoken at an event for young people at the start of their own careers.

This summer, Brightstar is also offering work experience placements to three students in its offices in London and Billericay. Saagar Singh Chana and Emma Roper from Brentwood School and Georgia Cockram, from another local sixth form, are being given the opportunity as part of the Young Learners Programme.

Jupp (pictured) said: “Young Brightstars is another example of Brightstar’s commitment to investing in the futures of young people. We received more than 100 applications for the sports bursaries and both Ovie and Thinod thoroughly deserve our support. We wish them all the best in their upcoming seasons.

“As the most decorated specialist distributor in the mortgage industry, we hope we are able to do our small bit to help create the winners of the future.”

Suminda Balage Don, father of Thinod, said: “I cannot thank Young Brightstars enough for providing Thinod with this great opportunity, which will enable him to progress in his career and open doors for him. Young Brightstars has given Thinod an amazing start to his career, providing him with the support that he requires and, for that, we thank Brightstar ever so much.”