Snap Fitness chooses its inaugural 12 Grassroots to Greatness athletes

Snap Fitness has announced the winners of its inaugural Grassroots to Greatness Athletic Grant Programme, awarding £20,000 to 12 athletes from a pool of more than 200 applications nationwide.

The programme, open to athletes aged between 18 and 65 across all sports and backgrounds, was created to champion community, diversity, inclusivity and excellence in sport.

Each winner will receive a grant to support their journey – from funding training and competition costs to help acquire essential kit and equipment. In addition, they will be offered year-long support at Snap Fitness clubs nationwide.

The chosen athletes represent a diverse range of sports, including athletics, mountaineering, para-rowing, karate, American football and ultra-running. They include 47-year-old Maria Shaw, who embraced Masters Athletics and in the past two years has become a British, European and world medallist and helped set both indoor and outdoor world records in the women’s over-45 4x800m relay.

Kevin Yates, Snap Fitness EMEA CEO, said: “Grassroots to Greatness is about more than financial support. It’s about belief, visibility, and opportunity.

“What excites me most about Grassroots to Greatness is the incredible range of sports represented and some amazing individuals excelling in these areas. This initiative shows that passion, commitment, and talent can be found in every corner of the sporting world and that by investing in fitness training can deliver so many benefits.

“By supporting such a diverse group of athletes, we hope to celebrate the richness of sport and inspire people from all walks of life to get involved, enjoy health and fitness, and dream bigger. Grassroots to Greatness is more than an initiative about sport – it’s about showing anyone can achieve their goals – if they believe in them and put in the hard work.”