Ashfield athletes on sporting excellence programme
Two up-and-coming Ashfield athletes are set to gain much-needed support as part of a sports talent development programme.
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 Lammas Leisure Centre, Kirkby Leisure Centre and Hucknall Leisure Centre.
Taekwondo athlete Lucas Ng, who took home gold in the European Championships last November and trains at Hucknall, and ice skater Cara Leigh Sisson, who has won three national gold medals over the past year and trains at Lammas, have both been accepted on the scheme.
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.
Lorenzo Clark, 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 Ashfield on their journey to success.
“As a leisure provider working in partnership with Ashfield District 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 Jason Zadrozny, leader of Ashfield District Council, said:
“Our continued investment into first class leisure and sports facilities across Ashfield demonstrates our commitment to helping everyone live healthier and happier lives, while also providing the infrastructure to help talented young athletes reach their full potential.
"We wish both Lucas and Cara Leigh all the very best of luck and look forward to watching their progress with interest."
To find out more about the scheme visit www.everyoneactive.com
