Aspiring athletes in North Herts have been invited to participate in the district's first sporting scheme.
The Sporting Champions scheme by Everyone Active supports the enhancement of up-and-coming sporting careers and offers access to training facilities along with mentorship from Olympians and Paralympians.
Applications are open from April 8 and will close after two weeks.
Since 2016, the scheme has transformed more than 5,000 athletes' lives through free access to 230-plus leisure centres across the nation.
Several centres in North Herts, including North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, Fearnhill Sports Centre and Royston Leisure Centre, have extended their facilities to this scheme in partnership with North Herts Council.
Colin Jackson, Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist and former world record holder, returns as the scheme's ambassador to share his knowledge and expertise alongside other sporting icons like Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad and Richard Kilty.
Colin said: "I'm passionate about nurturing young talent and the Sporting Champions scheme goes above and beyond in this mission.
"Seeing these future champions flourish fuels my excitement for what's to come."
This scheme has invested more than £2million into young athletes over the past eight years.
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, at least 30 sporting champions competed, taking home five gold, two silver and three bronze medals in total.
Chris Williams, area contract manage of Everyone Active, said: "We are delighted to introduce this fantastic scheme to support up and coming athletes from North Herts on their journey to success.
"As a leisure provider working in partnership with North Herts Council, we feel it is important to cater for all sections of the community.
"We hope to make a real difference to our athletes’ success and are excited to see what this Olympic year will bring."
Sarah Kingsley, service director for Place at North Herts Council, added: “North Herts Council is pleased to become part of Everyone Active's Sporting Champions – if you are a budding athlete please do apply to the scheme, you have nothing to lose.”
Applications will be open via the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website at easportingchampions.com
Follow the Sporting Champions on Instagram (@easportingchamps) for more information on how to apply.
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