ATHLETES in Solihull are set to gain much-needed support as part of a sports talent development programme.
Among the athletes accepted on the scheme in Solihull this year are Debbie Bradley and Samuel Cloke.
Cyclist and duathlete Debbie, is a four-time gold medallist who will be competing in the RTTC National Championships this year.
And Samuel is a fencer who became the West Midlands under-16 foil champion in February.
Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also receive mentoring and guidance from an panel of Elite athletes, some of whom look set to compete at Paris 2024.
The scheme’s all-star line-up of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman and Maisie Summers-Newton, while new to the panel for 2024 is GB sprint star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
These athletes will share their experience and expertise through group mentoring sessions, covering topics including mental wellbeing, nutrition, managing finances, social media and media training.
Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson will also continue to support the scheme through his role as an Ambassador, working alongside the Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.
Colin said: “I’m passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission. With the Olympics and Paralympics taking place in Paris this summer, the programme takes on even greater significance in 2024. Seeing these future champions flourish fuels my excitement for what’s to come.”
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics no fewer than 30 Sporting Champions competed and brought home five gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
Wayne Desmond, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme has been very successful in providing exceptional support to emerging talent and we are delighted to be once again supporting athletes from Solihull on their journey to success.”
