BUDDING athletes in Bromsgrove are being given the chance to take their sporting careers to the next level with Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Scheme.
Relaunching this month for the ninth consecutive year, the programme empowers aspiring athletes to acheive their full potential through access to training facilities and mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
More than 6,000 athletes have benefited from the scheme through free access to Everyone Active’s 240-plus leisure centres nationwide, including Bromsgrove Sport & Leisure Centre, run in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council.
Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson will return as the scheme’s Ambassador for 2025-2026.
He will work alongside a line-up of elite Olympic and Paralympic athletes – Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Maisie Summers-Newton and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – in mentoring sessions.
These sports stars will offer wisdom, guidance and expert advice, supporting rising athletes on their sporting journeys.
Last summer, the scheme supported 26 Sporting Champions who competed in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, achieving nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals.
An incredible 14 of these athletes made their debuts at Paris 2024, coming home with 11 medals between them.
Colin said: “After a summer of monumental success in 2024, I am more excited than ever to support athletes of all ages and from all disciplines to achieve their dreams.”
Over the past eight years, the Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2 million into young athletes.
Benjamin Betteridge, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to support up-and-coming athletes from Bromsgrove on their journey to success.
“We feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community to ensure all budding athletes have access to the same facilities and opportunities.
“We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success.”
Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, councillor Bernard McEldowney, described the scheme as a great programme providing an important opportunity to develop the region’s talent.
He added: “I am delighted that once again it is offered to our residents.”
Applications opened on Tuesday (February 11) and close on March 11. Visit easportingchampions.com for more information.
