A recent survey, undertaken by MARS Refuel Drink has revealed that two out of five people aren’t interested in taking part in any form of exercise*.

A further third feel that they are too unfit to start, while 16% say that they can’t afford to take part.

To help people overcome some of these barriers to exercise, the Mars Refuel Drink Fund will be opening again for entries from March 1 2010.

The MARS Refuel Drink Fund was set up to help people overcome the various barriers preventing them getting involved in an active lifestyle by offering £500 awards to selected applicants.

Tim Farr, a member of the British Paralympic Ski Team, is testament to what can be achieved with some determination: “Six years ago I broke my back while on a university skiing trip. This year, I am proud to say I’m a member of the 2010 Great British Paralympic team.

“From financial cost, to time, to disability, there are often barriers to sport. The MARS Refuel Drink Fund is here for people who need a bit of a boost in getting started, or continuing, in sport. It’s a great initiative and I’m really happy to be involved.”

Since its initial launch in 2008, MARS Refuel Drink Fund has attracted 9068 applications and helped to refuel 8304 people.

The fund, which launches on March 1 2010 until May 31 2010, has £10,000 to donate each month to the most deserving applicants.

Applications can be made online at www.marsrefuel.com offering support with anything from equipment costs, to improving training grounds and club houses. The fund will be accepting applications from  March 1 2010.

You don’t just have to be part of a team to benefit. The fund will also give support to individuals raising money for charity through sporting activities, such as bike rides, mountain climbing and parachute jumps.

The site will be regularly updated with the names of the people and clubs awarded each month. They will also be invited to post comments, pictures and videos of themselves as part of their application.

The fund is open to residents of, and clubs and organisations based in the UK and Republic of Ireland only. Applicants must be 12 years or over and only one application will be accepted per person, club or organisation.

Mars Refuel is a great source of protein, carbohydrate, calcium and vitamin B.  It’s the milk goodness in Mars Refuel that provides the optimum 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein that helps people to go 50% longer**.