Budding athletes to get support from sport stars

Up-and-coming athletes could get support from Olympians and Paralympians as part of a relaunched project.

People in Bristol have been encouraged to sign up for Everyone Active's Sporting Champions scheme.

It gives athletes access to sports facilities in Bristol and the chance to receive help from sports stars such as former sprinter and Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton.

Cameron Bate, Everyone Active's contract manager, said he was "delighted" the scheme was underway in Bristol and he hoped it would "cater for all sections of the community."

Participants in Bristol will also get access to facilities such as the Easton Leisure Centre, Bristol South Swimming Pool, Henbury Leisure Centre, Horfield Leisure Centre and St Pauls Community Sports Academy in Bristol.

Stephen Williams, chair of the public health and communities committee for Bristol City Council, said: "It is fantastic to see the Sporting Champions scheme continue to give aspiring athletes from Bristol the support they need to reach their goals.

"Access to the right facilities and resources is important to an athlete's development, and this programme is helping to remove barriers and create opportunities for people of all ages."

Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson will return as the Sporting Champions ambassador for 2026-27. He will join Aikines-Aryeetey and Summers-Newton as a mentor, along with cyclist Emma Finucane, athlete Lauren Steadman and former sprinter Richard Kilty.

Applications for the scheme are open until 20 March.

Everyone Active has also launched its Community Champions scheme for 2026-27, which celebrates "unsung heroes" making a difference in Bristol.

Successful applicants will be given use of facilities within their local leisure centres to help them carry out community projects.

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