A community scheme offering unsung heroes support from local leisure facilities in North Yorkshire has announced its successful applicants.
Award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs Scarborough Sports Village in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, launched Community Champions last year to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives.
People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects were encouraged once again to apply for 2026.
The award-winning operator has pledged more than £65,000 to support 67 local community projects, continuing its commitment to building stronger communities while recognising the dedication of local people who go above and beyond every day.
The successful applicant in North Yorkshire was The Parent Pod, which was created to provide inclusive, supportive and affordable activities for children with additional needs and their families in Scarborough.
The Parent Pod will secure valuable use of facilities within Scarborough Sports Village, to help them carry out their work. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.
The Parent Pod is also eligible to be shortlisted for the annual Everyone Active Champions Awards.
Peter Smith, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are incredibly excited to support The Parent Pod, which we hope will make a real difference in North Yorkshire.
“We want to emphasise the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.
“The Parent Pod is the perfect fit for us and we are thrilled to welcome them into the Community Champions fold.”
Alice Bunton, founder of The Parent Pod, said: “We are really grateful and proud to be named a Community Champion by Everyone Active. This will help us to continue to give fantastic support to children with additional needs and their families.”
Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 250-plus leisure centres nationwide.