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

Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions programme, now heading into its seventh year, has helped thousands of athletes to achieve their potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s 200+ leisure facilities across the country, including Winchester Sport and Leisure Park.

The scheme’s line-up of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Lutalo Muhammad, Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton, who will continue to provide their expertise, mentoring and support to athletes accepted on the scheme this year.

READ MORE: Winchester ice swimmers break records at world championships

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 medalist Colin Jackson will remain in his role as Sporting Champions Ambassador, working alongside the scheme’s Elite athletes to make sport more accessible within local communities.

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 over the years and I’m so excited to continue working alongside a panel of truly talented Elite athletes to help mentor and support the next generation.

“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.”

READ ALSO: Romsey man to enter World Rowing Indoor Championships from his garage

Alison Lewis Everyone Active contract manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to support rising sports stars from Winchester on their journey to success.

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Winchester City 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 2023.

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

Councillor Lucille Thompson, cabinet member for business and culture at Winchester City Council, said: “With its high-quality sports facilities, there’s no better place to support the district’s young athletes than Winchester Sport and Leisure Park.

“From brilliant support and mentorship opportunities to free leisure centre access, the Sporting Champions programme from our fantastic partners Everyone Active is a wonderful chance for Winchester’s young people to develop their sporting talents.”

Applicants should visit www.easportingchampions.com to fill out the online application form, which is available until Monday, March 13.

To find out more about Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions programme, visit www.easportingchampions.com.