The British School Fundraiser

Aim

At Sports For Champions UK, we don’t just create dreams – we build champions. Embark on this transformative journey with us today.

The British School are excited to be hosting an inspirational workshop with Chris Hunt Skelley. Chris needs your help to raise funds for vital training, medical and competition costs. This money will also help your school and other athletes across the country, find out more below!

The British School develop an excitement and love of learning. They encourage and motivate all pupils to learn and be proud of their achievements. They develop an interest in the wider world and a curiosity about everything around them. They challenge each other to be the best they can be. Their pupils will leave this school as ambitious and hardworking individuals who take pride in their achievements.

Who's Coming?

How I started:

My journey into Judo began at a very young age, just five years old. It was almost by chance, as my parents were looking for an activity for me, and Judo seemed like a great way to channel my energy and learn discipline. From those early days on the mat, I quickly fell in love with the sport. It became more than just a hobby; it was a passion that shaped my life, teaching me not just throws and holds, but also respect, perseverance, and control. As I progressed through the ranks, my dedication grew, even as my eyesight, due to ocular albinism, began to deteriorate significantly in my late teens. Adapting my Judo to my changing vision became part of my journey.

My Greatest Achievement:

My greatest achievement in sport is undoubtedly winning the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021) in the -100 kg category. Standing on that podium, with the gold medal around my neck, after years of relentless training, sacrifice, and overcoming significant challenges, was an incredibly emotional and validating moment. It wasn’t just about the medal; it was the culmination of a lifelong dedication to Judo, a testament to the support of my team, family, and coaches, and proof that my vision impairment wouldn’t define my potential. To then go on and win a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, securing two medals in two different weight categories at consecutive Games, cemented this achievement even further.

My Greatest Challenge:

Without a doubt, my greatest challenge has been navigating the progression of my visual impairment while simultaneously competing at the highest level of Judo. Being diagnosed with ocular albinism and experiencing the deterioration of my sight, especially as an aspiring elite athlete, was incredibly tough. It meant learning to trust my other senses more, adapting my techniques, and constantly finding new ways to compete effectively against opponents who often had full vision. There were moments of frustration and doubt, but overcoming those mental and physical hurdles to remain competitive and ultimately excel in a sport so reliant on spatial awareness and quick reactions has been a continuous test of my resilience.

My Hobbies:

When I’m not on the Judo mat (or was, in my competitive days), I enjoy a range of hobbies that help me unwind and stay connected. I’m a big fan of music and often use it to relax. Spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for walks or just enjoying nature, is also something I value. Most importantly, I love spending quality time with my wife, Louise, and our family and friends. Post-retirement, I’m looking forward to exploring new interests and dedicating more time to these passions.

My Future Aspirations:

In the future, I aim to continue using my platform and experiences to inspire and empower others, particularly the next generation. Having recently retired from competitive Judo (in February 2025), I’m keen to focus on my role as a motivational speaker, sharing my story of resilience, adaptation, and achievement with schools and organisations. I want to emphasise that challenges, like my visual impairment, don’t have to be roadblocks but can be catalysts for growth and new opportunities. I also aim to continue my ambassadorial and mentoring work, supporting charities like Phoenix Enterprises and guiding aspiring athletes through The True Athlete Project, helping them navigate their own journeys in sport and life.

Who are Sports For Champions?

Great news! Sports For Champions UK (CIC) will soon visit your school! Your young people have been invited to join a sponsored fitness circuit led by a Professional athlete, who will educate, enable, and empower participants with a view to inspiring them to be the champions of tomorrow.

While we're not all athletically inclined, we strongly encourage participation; all young people have talent and require inspiration to pursue their dreams - whatever they may be!

After 12 years of success, we have perfected our inspirational events, and they are guaranteed to deliver for your school and pupils!

Sports For Champions events are held in support of schools, which keep 60% of the funds raised to spend on resources that will enrich young people's education/experience. Professional athletes in need of support are the only other beneficiaries from the remaining 40%. Sports For Champions is an audited organization that is voluntarily registered with the Fundraising Regulator, meaning you can support the initiative with assurance.

What will happen on the day?

During the assembly, Sports For Champions athletes show medals and tell their story, hard work, lessons, and insights shared to capture the imagination of all and inspire healthier active lifestyles. Athletes discuss challenges on the road to success, with resilience, nutrition, diet, and dedication forming key topics. Fitness is essential for every young person’s general wellbeing in physical and mental health. It is also proven to be a strong booster of learning potential or brain power. By inspiring children as champions of tomorrow, Sports For Champions envision young people developing in all walks of life as healthy, active, community-minded participants in society.

Alongside Team Sports For Champions, athletes engage in invaluable work within local communities to support their training-related costs (e.g. physio/travel). Most world-class athletes train a rigorous 35-hour week and struggle to find reliable work that fits their schedule. This is how the funds we raise enable athletes and your school/club to realize their potential. Many pro athletes are unsponsored, lose support, or cannot find it.

Sports For Champions offers schools the benefit of additional funds to go towards resources/facilities, whilst helping athletes with the funds required to sustain their journey with an contribution towards training and competition fees, medical costs, equipment, and more.

The British School will be receiving an inspirational visit from Chris Hunt Skelley on the 29th of April 2026 and we need your support!

The pupils will benefit from physical activity through our fitness circuit, an inspirational talk including medal display, and a Q&A session.

Where does the money go?

When parents and guardians offer their support to a Sports for Champions UK (CIC) fundraising event, they are nurturing not only their children's immediate environments but also the bright futures of many rising athletes. Here is a breakdown of how your contributions make a significant difference:

For each fundraising event, Sports For Champions looks to raise enough money to cover the costs that it takes to provide such an excellent service nationally. Once that goal is reached, surplus funds are allocated in a way that benefits both the school and our passionate athletes – 60% for the school’s continued growth and 40% contributing to the athlete fund.

At the core of the Sports For Champions UK (CIC) initiative is the Athlete Fund. Primarily, the fund aids schools in less economically privileged areas that might struggle with costs, ensuring that the administrative fee isn’t a barrier to vital opportunities. Additionally, it assists our dedicated athletes in moments of pressing need, whether it’s recovering from injuries, procuring advanced equipment, or embarking on warm-weather training camps. Our fundamental belief remains unwavering: no school should be compromised for its economic stance, and every promising athlete deserves a fair shot at excellence. Our commitment ensures no child or school is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.

Challenges Athletes Face: Our partnering pro athletes and Team GB Olympians have a world of responsibilities on their shoulders. They juggle between a rigorous training schedule that demands over 35 hours a week and their personal commitments. This often leaves them with limited time and resources to focus on their careers, leading to financial constraints. Expenses for equipment, training, coaching, travel, and more pile up, making it a challenge for these athletes to perform at their best and represent Great Britain.

Why is this important?

The British School is promoting health and wellbeing throughout the school, and with the help of a visit from Chris Hunt Skelley, this will be enhanced across all year groups and staff. They are also focusing on encouraging diversity and raising the aspirations of the pupils through sport.

The British School will benefit from the money raised as they will be able to provide new equipment, fund opportunities for the children, and more.

How can you help?

We're asking all parents to help make it a memorable event for the pupils with the help of Chris Hunt Skelley, to raise funds for key resources for The British School.

If you are a local business or a friend of the school and would like to contribute to help us get to our target, then please do make a donation and share our project as far as you can.

This project successfully funded on 21st April 2026