Young athletes in Harrow are being encouraged to apply for Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme as it launches its ninth year.
The programme has supported 16-year-old Daniel Emegbor, who won gold in the long jump at the England Athletics Indoor National Championships on 9 February. Emegbor, who lives in Harrow, secured victory with a jump of 6.93m and is currently ranked number one in the UK for his age group.
He has trained at multiple Everyone Active facilities, including Bannister Sports Centre in Harrow.
“Being a Sporting Champion has been extremely beneficial because it helps me focus solely on my performance and athletic development rather than having to worry about paying to utilise the great facilities,” said Emegbor. “After becoming a Sporting Champion and receiving support through free access to the centres, my progress has increased at a much quicker rate.”
The scheme has helped more than 6,000 athletes nationwide. Successful applicants will receive free access to Everyone Active’s facilities, including Harrow Leisure Centre, Bannister Outdoor Sports Centre, and Hatch End Swimming Pool.
They will also have access to mentoring sessions with Olympians and Paralympians, covering topics such as nutrition, fitness, mental health, and social media.
The programme’s return follows a strong summer for British sport, with 26 Sporting Champions athletes competing in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, winning nine gold, six silver, and eight bronze medals.
Colin Jackson CBE will return as the scheme’s ambassador for 2025-26, alongside other Olympians and Paralympians, including Lauren Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Maisie Summers-Newton, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
John Sewell, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We are delighted to support up-and-coming athletes in Harrow on their journey to success.
“As a leisure provider working in partnership with London Borough of Harrow, we believe it is crucially important to cater for all sections of the community, ensuring all budding athletes have access to the same facilities and opportunities.
“The Sporting Champions scheme has supported thousands of athletes over the years, and we are proud to be continuing this again in 2025. We hope to continue making a real difference to our athletes’ success.”
Applications are open until Tuesday 11 March 2025. Athletes can apply via easportingchampions.com. More details can be found on Instagram at @easportingchamps
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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