ATHLETES and businesses are running out of time to apply for the Colchester Sporting Champions Scheme.

The initiative was launched in February by the Colchester Partnership for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and was set up to support local athletes with the potential to represent Britain in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Sports covered include basketball, race walking, swimming, skiing and sailing.

Successful applicants are given grants of £500 to help with expenses such as training, travel to competitions and the purchase of essential equipment.

Businesses in the region can also take part by contributing grants of £500 to sponsor individual athletes.

Colchester 2020 Local Strategic Partnership and NHS North East Essex have already made contributions to kickstart the launch of the scheme.

Athletes who receive sponsorship will be linked as a “Sporting Champion” with one of the family of schools from the Colchester Blackwater-Schools Sports Partnership, as a role model and inspiration to local schoolchildren.

Interested athletes and businesses can find out more by visiting www.colchester.gov.uk/sportingchampions The closing date is the end of April.