BUDDING athletes in Solihull are being given the chance to take their careers to the next level – in an Olympic and Paralympic year – with Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme.
The renowned programme gives aspiring sports stars a chance to unlock their full potential by offering access to state-of-the-art training facilities and mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has transformed the lives of more than 5,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure centres nationwide, helping them press forward in their journey to sporting stardom.
These include Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and North Solihull Sports Centre, run in partnership with Solihull Council.
For 2024, Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist and former world record holder, Colin Jackson, returns as the scheme’s Ambassador.
He will be working alongside a team of athletes who have starred on the Olympic and Paralympic stage – Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Jessica and Jennifer Gadirova, Kadeena Cox, Richard Kilty and Maisie Summers-Newton – in group mentoring sessions throughout the year.
These sporting heroes will share their wisdom and expertise, guiding up and coming athletes every step of the way.
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, 30 Sporting Champions competed and took home five gold, two silver and three bronze medals.
Over the past eight years, the Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.
Wayne Desmond, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to support up and coming athletes from Solihull on their journey to success.
“The Sporting Champions scheme has supported thousands of athletes over the years and we are proud to be continuing this again in 2024.
“We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what this Olympic year will bring.”
Applications can be submitted via the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website at www.easportingchampions.com by March 11.
