Up-and-coming athletes across North Herts are being urged to follow in the footsteps of world record holder Mark Evens and European bronze medallist Sophie Thrussell as Everyone Active's prestigious Sporting Champions scheme launches its ninth year.

The talent development programme, which has already helped more than 6,000 aspiring athletes nationwide, has opened up applications for its 2025-26 intake.

Hitchin-based swimmer Mark Evens, a member of Hitchin Swimming Club and the Down Syndrome Swimming - Great Britain squad, has established himself as one of Britain's most accomplished para-swimmers.

The multiple world record holder successfully defended his British Down Syndrome Swimming Championship titles in November 2024 and currently holds Open World Records in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m Freestyle events.

"As a distance swimmer, I need to get as much pool time as possible to ensure that I have the fitness, stamina and correct training to participate in my chosen events," says Evens. "To supplement the training I do with my club, I use my Sporting Champions membership to attend extra pool sessions each week at Hitchin Swimming Centre."

Evens was extremely proud to captain the GB Team at the 2024 World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Turkey, where he gained individual gold medals in the 1500m, 800m, and 400m Freestyle events, as well as a silver in the 100m Butterfly and a bronze in the 200m Freestyle. He also led the GB relay team to multiple podium finishes.

Looking ahead, Evens shared his plans for the coming year: "I'm now training hard for the 2025 European Down Syndrome Swimming Championships which will take place in Albufeira, Portugal in October. Once again, I'm aspiring to achieve individual and relay medals."

Letchworth athlete Sophie Thrussell has also thrived with scheme support. "I won bronze in the European age group Aquathlon championships in Portugal 2024 in my first race for GB!" says Thrussell, who uses facilities across North Herts. "Having access to the swimming pool has been amazing. My sport is pretty much self-funded, so this membership really helps me afford kit and pay for races."

Sophie also added: "I also love using lidos in the summer. These are great facilities to have and really help to replicate open water swimming and train properly."

Now in its second year in North Herts, the scheme offers successful athletes free access to Everyone Active facilities nationwide, including all local centres managed in partnership with North Herts Council: North Herts Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, Royston Leisure Centre, and Letchworth Lido.

Athletes will benefit from free access to state-of-the-art training facilities and exclusive mentoring sessions with Olympians and Paralympians, covering crucial topics like nutrition, fitness, event preparation, mental health and social media.

The scheme's return comes off the back of an exceptional summer for British sport, with 26 Sporting Champions athletes competing in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, bringing home nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals. Fourteen of these athletes were making their debuts on the international stage.

Olympic silver medallist Colin Jackson CBE returns as the scheme's ambassador for 2025-26, leading a star-studded lineup who have starred on the Olympic and Paralympic stage – Lauren

Steadman, Lutalo Muhammad, Richard Kilty, Maisie Summers-Newton and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Paul Francis, General Manager at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, said: "We are delighted to support up-and-coming athletes in North Herts on their journey to success.

"As a leisure provider working in partnership with North Herts Council, 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."

Cllr Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Leisure at North Herts Council, said: "It was fantastic to meet Mark and Sophie and hear first-hand how the Sporting Champions scheme has supported their journeys. Their dedication and achievements are really inspiring, and we're proud to see talented athletes in North Herts benefiting from this initiative. Providing access to high-quality training facilities and expert mentoring is vital in helping our local sportspeople reach their full potential, and we encourage all eligible athletes to apply."

Applications are now open and close on Tuesday 11 March 2025. Aspiring athletes can apply via easportingchampions.com.