The campaign, which is open to active 16 to 24-year-olds across the UK, including those with physical, visual, or intellectual impairments, is accepting applications until 14 October 2024. With nearly 40% of Brits aged 18 to 24 believing they have the potential to compete at the LA 2028 Games, this initiative offers a tangible pathway to make that dream a reality.

‘Find Your Greatness’ is targeting young athletes across a broad spectrum of sports, including skeleton, cycling, rowing, weightlifting, climbing, and all para sports. UK Sport's previous recruitment efforts have produced Olympic and Paralympic champions like rower Helen Glover and skeleton gold medallist Lizzy Yarnold, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives in uncovering new talent.

At the launch event held in Salford, athletes such as Nathan Hales and Erin McNeice, who have both benefited from similar programmes, shared their personal stories. They highlighted how these opportunities have been instrumental in their journeys toward becoming elite athletes. Regional testing for Olympic sports is scheduled to take place later this year in cities such as Birmingham, Glasgow, and London, with Paralympic trials planned in Crawley, Sheffield, and Liverpool.

Dame Katherine Grainger, Chair of UK Sport, underscored the significance of the campaign in reaching young people from all walks of life. "This campaign is about tapping into communities and providing opportunities to young people who may have never had the chance to try these sports before. It’s about finding the hidden talent that can keep the UK at the forefront of global sport. I’ve seen firsthand how these initiatives can transform lives and careers, and I’m excited to see the incredible talent we will discover."

Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Civil Society, and Youth, also expressed strong support for the campaign, highlighting the government's commitment to nurturing emerging talent. "Team GB and ParalympicsGB's performances this summer have inspired countless young people to take up sport. Through ‘Find Your Greatness,’ we’re not just looking for the next generation of medal winners, but we’re also opening doors for young people across the country to discover new sports and develop their potential. The government's role is to ensure these opportunities are accessible to everyone, no matter where they come from."

Ellie Aldridge, who won Olympic gold in Formula Kite at Paris 2024, shared how a similar recruitment programme changed her life. "When I applied in 2018, I had no idea that it would lead me to Olympic gold. These programmes can open up paths you never thought possible. I encourage anyone with a passion for sport to take that leap of faith, you never know where it might lead."

Natalie Dunman, British Skeleton Performance Director, added her voice to the campaign, highlighting the importance of connecting young talent with the right opportunities. "We know there are people out there with the potential to be Olympic or Paralympic champions, but they might not have found the right sport or had the support they need. ‘Find Your Greatness’ is about bridging that gap and helping these individuals take the first step on their journey to greatness. We’re eager to find and nurture the next generation of champions."

With ‘Find Your Greatness’ UK Sport is committed to discovering and developing the future stars of British sport, ensuring that the UK continues to be a dominant force on the global stage. The sporting world eagerly anticipates the new talent that will emerge from this initiative, ready to continue the legacy of success for Team GB and ParalympicsGB.