RISING sports stars from across Dorset are being urged to apply for a sponsorship scheme which will provide free access to sports facilities and mentorship from Olympians and Paralympians.

The Sporting Champions Scheme is an initiative that has helped thousands of athletes achieve their sporting goals by giving free access to leisure facilities, including Weymouth Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre and the Blandford Leisure Centre.

Those who are accepted onto the scheme will also receive free unlimited access to the Everyone on Demand app, providing them with more than 500,000 at-home workouts from leading fitness brands.

Olympic silver medalist Colin Jackson is one of the former sports stars supporting the scheme and will continue to do so as an ambassador, playing an integral part in providing both one-to-one and group mentoring sessions throughout the year.

Mr Jackson said: “I’m proud to be involved in a scheme that is so dedicated to supporting athletic talent from grassroots up.

“I have watched the Sporting Champions scheme grow and I’m so excited for the relaunch of the scheme this year, where I’ll be working alongside some truly talented elite athletes.

“The Sporting Champions 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.”

The scheme is now in its sixth year and run by leisures centres operator Everyone Active, with applications opening on April 1 and closing on April 30.

Rob Slocombe, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to be able to support 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 2022.

“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.”

Applicants should follow the Sporting Champions Instagram page for further updates on how to apply.