Next generation of talented athletes to be supported by Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, now in its eighth year, has helped more than 5,000 athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s 230-plus leisure facilities, including The Dunstable Centre, Saxon Pool and Leisure Centre, Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre, Flitwick Leisure Centre, Houghton Regis Leisure Centre and Sandy Sports Centre. 

Among the athletes accepted on the scheme in Central Bedfordshire this year are:

· Para-swimmer Olivia Newman-Baronius, who has achieved two British records in the 100m and 200m butterfly – trains at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre

· Athlete Thaila-Jade Mason, who is currently ranked number two in the UK for the women’s under-17 long jump – trains at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre

Alongside free access to Everyone Active centres, Sporting Champions will also receive valuable mentoring and guidance from an impressive panel of Elite athletes, some of whom look set to compete at Paris 2024.

The scheme’s all-star line-up of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman and Maisie Summers-Newton, while new to the panel for 2024 is GB sprint star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey*.

These Elite athletes will share their experience and expertise through group mentoring sessions, covering topics including mental wellbeing, nutrition, managing finances, social media and media training.

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

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."

The Sporting Champions scheme has poured more than £2million into young athletes across the country, proving its commitment to grassroots sporting excellence.

At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, no fewer than 30 Sporting Champions competed, taking home five gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme has been very successful in providing exceptional support to emerging talent and we are delighted to be once again supporting athletes from Central Bedfordshire on their journey to success.

“It’s fantastic to see how the scheme has expanded over the years, now providing more than 1,000 athletes nationwide with access to top-quality training facilities and support.

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

Cllr Rebecca Hares, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Member for Health and Community Liaison, said: “Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme has been supporting athletes in Central Bedfordshire for many years. We’re proud to be part of it, giving free access to our leisure facilities for some of Britain’s best young athletes who work so hard to achieve their goals.”

To find out more about the Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, visit www.easportingchampions.com or follow @easportingchamps on Instagram. For further information on Everyone Active, visit www.everyoneactive.com

Everyone Active also runs The Grove Theatre in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Library Theatre.