Sporting stars in Central Bedfordshire can now apply for a place on Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions talent scheme, backed once again by a number of Olympic and Paralympic stars in its ninth year.
Fronted by the scheme’s ambassador, former world champion sprinter Colin Jackson, the scheme allows athletes access to state-of-the-art training facilities and mentoring from those at the top of the sport.
Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Maisie Summers-Newton and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey are among the famous faces available to mentor the next generation.
A major part of the scheme allows athletes free access to Everyone Active’s leisure centres in Central Bedfordshire including Flitwick Leisure Centre, Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre and Sandy Sports and Leisure Centre, among others.
Making a difference
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.
“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”, said Colin Jackson.
“I’m passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission.”
The scheme has been running since 2016, with over 6,000 athletes supported to the tune of more than £2million, invested into the futures of young athletes who have gone on to achieve great things.
Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said, “We are delighted to support up-and-coming athletes from Central Bedfordshire on their journey to success.
“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, 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.
“The Sporting Champions scheme has supported thousands of athletes over the years, and we are proud to be continuing this again in 2025. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success.”
Applications are open and run until Tuesday 11 March 2025 via the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website at www.easportingchampions.com.
Those interested in applying can also follow the Sporting Champions Instagram page (@easportingchamps) for more information.
