Lewis Gray, 15, is one of England's top young table tennis players, and grandson of John Preston of Garstang.
He has a string of major table tennis titles to his name, including national victories in singles and doubles championships.
The youngster has recently been given a £3,000 boost from UK ferry company P&O as part of the company's Talented Athlete Programme sponsor scheme.
Among the highlights of his career are his membership of the British Table Tennis Federation and his membership of the England youth development squad (2005 to present). He has also been presented with many awards for achievement in sport both at town and county level.
He was selected for England youth development squad training camp in Spain in July 2007, winning the tournament.
He was Kent Schools U13 boys singles champion (Feb 2007), national U12 boys singles and U12 boys doubles champion in June 2006 and National U10 boys singles champion (June 2004).
Grandad John said: "He was No 1 in his age group for two years but has just gone up to the under-15 category and is working his way up the rankings there."
"He is already in the GB embryonic Olympic Squad, and is playing for England in Spain in March.
"Needless to say the sponsorship is necessary because being a member of an England team he has to pay his own way!"
Lewis, who recently appeared on regional TV in Kent with double gold Olympic runner Kelly Holmes, lives in Benenden, Kent.
He recently took part in a P&O promotion aboard the ferry Pride of Kent, sailing out of Dover, to launch the company's Talented Athlete Programme, during which he challenged one of the ship's chefs to a game of table tennis.
Simon Johnson, sales and marketing Director of P&O Ferries, handed Lewis, and several other young Olympic hopefuls cheques for £3,000 each.
Mr Johnson said: "At this stage in their sporting careers the athletes are certainly starting to stand out.
"But it's their dedication and determination with a view to 2012 that has really caught our attention."
"They're not quite household names yet, but they're certainly inspirational role models.
"The ambition they demonstrate to perform at the very highest level possible means we think they're ones to watch.
"Hopefully our support will help them reach their full potential," Simon added.