A FROME teenager has recently been selected for Great Britain cycling’s Olympic development squad for BMX racing – but he needs the help of local businesses to keep his dream of representing his country at international competitions alive.
Frome College student Harrison Collis is seeking sponsorship from local companies so he can travel to international competitions to better prepare himself for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Harrison is one of only six junior athletes on the Great Britain team and earlier this year, raced junior men in the British Cycling National BMX Series a year before applications are usually taken, and finished as British number two at the British Championships.
Harrison trains at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester two or three weekends a month and once a week in Exeter; this year Harri will travel over 20,000 miles to race and train.
South West BMX Association coach, Ryan Stack says “Harri has the attitude, skills and potential to be number one in the world.”
Ryan says that support through funding is hard to find and is calling on local businesses to get behind the potential Olympian and to sponsor him.
Ryan added, “Harrison is a future star and a potential Olympian. He is amazing and his stats prove it, but it was his commitment and determination that impressed me. So, why should Harrison’s story grab your attention? Well, guided by his parents, who have already made personal financial sacrifices to support Harri, the youngster from Frome has shown real determination and resilience to undertake hundreds of miles a week to train.
“Sadly, even though the young Exeter Eagles rider is ranked second in the UK and he is on the national Olympic development squad training with existing Olympians, governing body funding is limited. The bodies encourage young athletes to raise their own funding by striking up both local and national partnerships with businesses – but charities and grant giving bodies are often only prepared to support community groups and other registered charities, so sourcing individual funding for young athletes is difficult.
“It’s not that Harri cannot continue to race, but without funding Harri cannot prepare and race internationally. These are the next steps that his coaches and mentors are desperately seeking to achieve Harri’s potential and keep him on the path to the Los Angeles Olympics and beyond. The combined sponsorship will enable him to attend all the international races in 2023/24.
“In return for your generous support Harrison will keep the local community updated on his progress using Facebook and Instagram, highlighting the support your business has given. We are offering a range of sponsorship options but If you have any other ideas how to help support or sponsor Harri, raise funds or raise Harri’s profile or simply want to know more then please do not hesitate to contact myself, Harrison’s father Neil Collis on email: neil.collisfs@hotmail.co.uk or 07890 266527.”
GB team manager for the last European Cup Race, Hugh Coppin added, “Harri is incredible on a bike and fearless, he is so quick! But he needs to race more internationally.”
Follow Harrison’s progress on Facebook @Harrison Collis and Instagram: @HarriBMX
