The aim is simple – to financially support promising young British athletes as they strive to become Olympians and Paralympians. Challengers receive financial support to pay for coaching, equipment and other essentials, to help them in their training and competitions.

This support enables them to concentrate on their sport and have the very best facilities and coaching available.

Given the wide range of sports our young Challengers are pursuing – and the fact that they train and compete in locations around the world – the bursary scheme is an absolutely vital source of supplementary funding. For any business thinking of getting involved, take it from us, the extra money really does deliver the freedom to turn potential into staying power all the way through to 2012.

Your contribution, whether a one off donation of £20 or by becoming a scheme supporter for as little as £500 a year will make a real difference to their medal hopes. One of our Challengers, Francesca Halsall, has already reached qualification standard and will be representing Great Britain at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.The bursary scheme has helped her on her way.