BUDDING athletes in Dorset are being given the chance to become 'Sporting Champions' as part of a new sports development scheme.

The programme is now in its 7th year and is being run by Everyone Active to help thousands of athletes achieve their sporting potential.

Free access is provided to Everyone Active's hundreds of leisure facilities across the UK, including Weymouth Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre and Blandford Leisure Centre.

Aspiring athletes will be able to apply for the programme until Monday, March 13 by visiting the Everyone Active Sporting Champions website.

The scheme’s impressive line-up of decorated Olympians and Paralympians includes Lutalo Muhammad, Jennifer and Jessica Gadirova, Richard Kilty, Lauren Steadman, Kadeena Cox and Maisie Summers-Newton.

They will all continue to provide their expertise and support to athletes accepted on the scheme this year.

Sporting Champions will also receive free unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app - providing them with more than 500,000 at-home workouts.

In addition, olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson will remain in his role as Sporting Champions ambassador. 

He 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 athletes to help mentor and support the next generation.

“The 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.”

Hollie Jones, Everyone Active’s contract manager, added: “We are delighted to be able to support rising sports stars from Dorset on their journey to success.

“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Dorset 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.”