Olympians front sponsorship scheme for rising sports stars in Bucks

Up-and-coming athletes in Bucks are being given the chance to become ‘Sporting Champions’ and gain much-needed support as part of a sports talent development scheme.

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Scheme, now heading into its sixth year, has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s leisure facilities across the country - including Aqua Vale in Aylesbury, Buckingham's Swan Pool and Leisure Centre, and the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre in Amersham.

Aspiring athletes can apply for the scheme from the beginning of April.

This year will see the official relaunch of the scheme, welcoming on board several elite athletes whose identity will be revealed on the Sporting Champions Instagram page next month @easportingchamps

The talented line-up includes Olympians and Paralympians, whose experience and expertise will help to mentor and support those accepted on to the scheme.

Sporting Champions will also receive free unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app, providing them with more than 500,000 at-home workouts from leading fitness brands, including WithU, Flex and Les Mills on Demand.

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson will continue to support the scheme through his role as an ambassador, working alongside the newly appointed elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

Alongside some of Team GB’s top talent, he will play an integral part in providing both one-to-one and group mentoring sessions throughout the year.

Colin said: “I’m proud to be involved in a scheme that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from grass roots up.

“I have watched the Sporting Champions scheme grow and I’m so excited for the relaunch of the scheme this year, where I’ll be working alongside some truly talented elite athletes.

“The Sporting Champions scheme has helped thousands of up-and-coming athletes to achieve their sporting dreams and I can’t wait to see what this year’s intake go on to achieve.”

Over the past six years, the Sporting Champions scheme has invested more than £1 million into athletes on the scheme.

Everyone Active contract manager Steve Salwa said: “We are delighted to be able to support stars from Buckinghamshire on their journey to success.

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community.

“The Sporting Champions scheme has already supported a huge number of athletes and I’m proud that we are continuing this again in 2022.

“We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what the relaunch of the scheme will bring this year.”

The online application form will be open from Friday, April 1, to Saturday, April 30. Follow the Sporting Champions Instagram page @easportingchamps for updates on how to apply.