Celebrating SportsAid's 50th Anniversary
For 50 years, SportsAid has been backing belief when it matters most. Every Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth Games, we see SportsAid recipients winning medals and proving what can happen when potential is backed early.
Today, a new generation of athletes is ready to write their next chapter, and your support can help them to go further. This year, we want to raise £1 Million Pounds to back the next generation
Donate and help us to continue unlocking these unseen journeys
SportsAid has helped talented, emerging athletes access the opportunities, support, and resources they need to keep moving forward. Because when belief is matched with backing, potential becomes possibility. This year, in our 50th anniversary, we're celebrating more than five decades of support. We're unlocking the unseen journeys, the quiet determination and the sporting stories that began long before the world was watching.
Dame Laura Rebecca Kenny was supported by SportsAid from the age of 15, at a crucial stage in her journey from promising young cyclist to Olympic champion.
"Being accepted by SportsAid, was the first time someone outside of my family or coach actually believed in me.That extra belief from SportsAid gave me confidence. When you have an outside system telling you, ‘we think you have something’, that belief makes you grow.That outside belief really made me believe in myself.”
Laura went on to become one of Britain’s most successful Olympians, winning six Olympic medals, five Gold and one Silver.
Kristian Larigo, one of British cycling’s most exciting young talents
The 17-year-old, who made the switch from BMX to the velodrome just three years ago, is now reaping the rewards of his hard work, raw talent, and vital support from SportsAid. Backed through our SportsAid Backing the Best programme, Kristian’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and a deep desire to inspire the next generation. For Kristian, SportsAid has been more than just support, it’s been belief. “Someone backing you in this way, even when I didn’t always back myself. that means everything".
Bethany Norton, talented successful international Junior shooter
For Bethany Norton, being part of SportsAid has been about far more than funding. It has been about connecting and finding a support network beyond her own sport. Bethany has been supported by SportsAid for over two years, and she admits the sense of belonging SportsAid provides has been transformational. She has had the opportunity to build friendships across several sports including rugby and softball, creating a network of athletes who support, encourage, and celebrate one another.
Mark Swan, British Paralympic Powerlifting sensation
Winner of a silver medal representing Great Britain at the 2024 Summer Paralympics and winner of the first gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games for England.
"The support from SportsAid that I received earlier in my career was just amazing. Without them none of my success would've been possible so a massive thank you to SportsAid for their support."
Celebrating the next 50 years!
The confidence that SportsAid gives along with the extra support and recognition, makes a huge difference to young people’s lives at important moments in their career. Our ambition is to ensure every nominated athlete is given the support and more importantly the belief that they need.
Help us to continue unlocking these unseen journeys. You can fundraise for us, make a donation or leave a legacy. Find out more
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
Olympic champion and three-times world champion heptathlete, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is one of Great Britain’s most successful athletes. She is one of the many successful alumni stretching across generations who have received backing from SportsAid.
Reunited with a copy of her original SportsAid application form - submitted as a 15-year-old back in 2001 - she reflects on the path she took to becoming Olympic champion!