Olympic-backed Scheme Launches - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Olympic-backed Scheme Launches – A EUROPEAN champion helped launch an Olympic-backed talent scheme as a new operator took over Rochford district’s leisure centres.

Olympic-backed Scheme Launches - A EUROPEAN champion helped launch an Olympic-backed talent scheme as a new operator took over Rochford district’s leisure centres.

A EUROPEAN champion helped launch an Olympic-backed talent scheme as a new operator took over Rochford district’s leisure centres.

Everyone Active held a launch event at Clements Hall Leisure Centre, in Hawkwell, to mark the completion of the firm’s take-over of the centre, as well as Rayleigh Leisure Centre.

Sporting Champions is Everyone Active’s sports talent development scheme designed to assist the country’s next generation of superstar athletes.

Successful athletes on the scheme will benefit from free access to state-of-the-art training facilities at Everyone Active’s 240 leisure facilities nationwide – including the facilities at Rayleigh Leisure Centre and Clements Hall Leisure Centre.

In addition to facility access, athletes will also receive mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.

The scheme has already delivered success, as Chantelle Halford – a multi-time National and European baton-twirling champion – overcame a major injury, which forced her to miss out on the World Championships, thanks to the schemes support.

Ms Halford was on hand at the event and urged youngsters to get involved in the scheme.

She said: “I am proud to announce that I will be representing England in the European Championships held in Spain this July.

“I will also be competing in the World Championships this August, held in Italy. I am super excited for the upcoming international competitions later this year.”

Shaun Beagle, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “This marks an exciting milestone for local athletes in Rochford.

“Our Sporting Champions programme is about more than just facilities – it’s about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for every athlete, regardless of their background or starting point. Athletes like Chantelle demonstrate exactly what’s possible when we provide the right support and resources.

“Since 2016, we’ve supported thousands of athletes on their sporting journeys. By investing in local talent and providing high quality training environments, we’re not just supporting individual athletes, we’re investing in the future of sport in our community.”

Lisa Newport, Rochford councillor for community, wellbeing and housing, added: “It’s great that Everyone Active are bringing their Sporting Champions scheme to the district.”

Applications are open now and will close on April 30.

Successful applicants will gain access to Everyone Active’s facilities in Rochford, with Clements Hall and Rayleigh Leisure Centres currently undergoing upgrades, including the installation of cutting-edge fitness equipment designed to support athletes at every level of their sporting journey.

Applications can be sent via easportingchampions.com.

Picture: Chantelle Halford helps launch the scheme. Pic Rochford District Council.

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