Local elite athletes were celebrated at Hereford Leisure Centre on 3 November as Halo Leisure officially launched the Free Access for National Sports People (FANS) scheme, which entitles them to use the facilities at any Halo centre, free of charge.

FANS athletes attending the event were Sarah Waldron (5000m and Cross Country Runner), Mathew Goodwin (Trap Shooter) and Wayne Poulter (Triathlete), who have all represented Great Britain in their sport. Supporters of the Scheme were joined by Paralympian swimmers Nyree Lewis and Sascha Kindred, who have just returned from the European Championships in Iceland, where they bought home 4 Gold medals and 1 silver between them.

The scheme demonstrates Halo's commitment to support and nurture sport in the community.

Bryan White, Chairman of Halo and Honorary Secretary of Herefordshire Sport, said: "FANS was first raised as an element of Herefordshire Sport's ASPIRE project which seeks to identify, develop and nurture sporting talent in Herefordshire and it is thanks to Halo that this aspect of the imitative has become a reality.

"We are all very proud to welcome the athletes today, all of whom have excelled in their chosen sport. We hope to be able to extend the scheme to other talented elite achievers and crucially developing a strategy with other partners to try and ensure talented sports people are able to realise their potential and aspirations in the future."

The athletes on the scheme are keen to support this. "Even though I have competed and achieved a lot in the last two years I have been shooting, I wasn't sure I would be successful in my FANS application but decided to apply," said Mathew.

"I am really pleased I did, and to now have the support of Halo and the Herefordshire Aspire project. By using the facilities, I will really be able to improve my core strength - something that is essential for my success and development in my sport. The instructors at Halo have been great, and I'm feeling the benefits already."

Sascha, Nyree and Sarah are no strangers to visiting schools and community groups to talk about their experiences, and it is this, as well as local awareness and support, that will encourage promising athletes of all ages to apply for the scheme.