Up-and-coming athletes have been asked to apply for a sponsorship scheme fronted by Olympians.
Southwark’s rising sports stars are being offered the opportunity to become ‘Sporting Champions’ and gain expert support as part of the sports talent development initiative.
The ‘Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions Scheme’ – now in its sixth year – has helped thousands of athletes unlock their sporting potential by providing free entry to leisure centres, as well as guidance from Olympic medalists.
Aspiring athletes will be able to apply for the scheme through the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website from the beginning of April
Everyone Active’s 200+ leisure centres can be found in Camberwell, Dulwich, Elephant and Castle, Peckham Pulse, Surrey Quays and beyond.
Several new Olympians and Paralympians are set to join the scheme who will use their experience and expertise to mentor successful applicants.
Their identities are yet to be revealed.
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Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson is continuing to support the scheme as an ambassador, working alongside the newly appointed Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.
“I’m proud to be involved in a scheme that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from grass roots up,” said Colin.”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,” he added.
Colin will play an key part in giving both one-to-one and group mentoring sessions throughout the year.
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 fitness brands, including WithU, Flex and Les Mills on Demand.
The Sporting Champions scheme has invested more than £1million into athletes on the scheme, over the past six years.
Applicants should follow the Sporting Champions Instagram page (@easportingchamps) for further updates on how to apply.
The online application form will be open from 1 April.