SportsAid celebrates 50 years of backing belief

SportsAid is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, marking five decades of backing talented, emerging athletes as they take the first steps towards fulfilling their sporting potential.

Founded in 1976 as the Sports Aid Foundation ahead of the Montreal Olympic Games, the charity’s very first award recipient was swimmer David Wilkie. Later that year, Wilkie won Olympic gold and silver, setting a world record in the 200m breaststroke.

His story helped establish a purpose that continues to define SportsAid today, supporting talented athletes at a crucial stage of their journey, when potential is clear but the path ahead can be challenging.

Over the past 50 years, SportsAid has supported more tens of thousands of British athletes, helping them meet the financial demands of pursuing their sporting ambitions. From travel and equipment to competition fees and other essential costs, this support helps athletes access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Today, SportsAid supports emerging athletes across more than 60 sports, providing financial assistance alongside personal development opportunities, guidance and a community of support.

Its alumni include some of the biggest names in British sport, including Tom Daley, Dame Sarah Storey, Sir Mo Farah, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Ellie Simmonds.

But behind every successful athlete is a journey that begins long before the medals, recognition and headlines.

It is a journey shaped by dedication, sacrifice and resilience, and by the parents, caregivers, coaches, friends and families who give their time, energy and belief to help an athlete pursue their ambitions. 

For many, that support makes the difference when the financial and personal demands of sport threaten to stand in the way.

That is what SportsAid’s 50th anniversary is all about: backing belief when it matters most.

Throughout 2026, SportsAid will celebrate the people and stories behind five decades of British sporting talent, recognising not only the athletes who have gone on to achieve success, but also the people who supported them along the way.

The anniversary will also look ahead, shining a light on the next generation of athletes and the importance of providing early, meaningful support so that talent is not lost because life gets in the way.

As SportsAid looks towards its next 50 years, its purpose remains as important as ever: to help talented athletes fulfil their potential in sport and in life.

From David Wilkie in 1976 to the athletes shaping the future of British sport today, the belief in their potential has always been there. With the right backing, that belief can become possibility.

For 50 years, SportsAid has been backing belief. 

Their belief brought them here. Your backing takes them further.

You can donate to our 50 anniversary campaign here