Manchester’s very own charity, We Love MCR and the North Wests leading track and field athletics coaching organisation, Diane Modahl Sports Foundation have joined forces to identity the next generation of young Mancunian Athletes, with a new initiative ‘The Lord Mayor’s Future Champions’.
The initiative, which was launched in March, by Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Murphy OBE, will help young Manchester athlete’s reach their Olympic potential. The project will offer first class coaching, mentoring, support and guidance, access to track and field training facilities, medical support and competitions. 
The We Love MCR Charity will help raise money to fund coaching sessions with four-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist 800 metre champion Diane Modahl and her partner, Olympic athletics coach Vicente Modahl. The Lord Mayor’s Future Champions project will aim to identify 10 young potential Olympians eligible to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Paul Murphy OBE, said: “This initiative will help strengthen Manchester’s legacy as one of the world’s great sporting cities and will provide the next generation of Mancunian athletes with the best support to develop and achieve their sporting potential.
“Many of Manchester’s youngsters have the commitment, focus and discipline required to succeed at the highest level and I’ve no doubt this scheme will find some future stars of track and field. I wish them all the best in their quest for Olympic glory, in Tokyo 2020.”
Also commenting, Diane Modal said: “Having competed in four Olympic Games I know what it takes and there is no one better to make sure that happens than my coach Vicente 
Modahl who has worked with both past Olympic Champions and World Record Holders. This project is an extension of our work with the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation where we have already identified and provided opportunities for very talented young athletes to achieve their Olympic ambitions. This project enables us to reinforce and sustain this work’’.
To help kick start fundraising, the annual UK Fast We Love Manchester 10k, which takes place on Sunday 10 July, is encouraging members of the public to take part and donate to the We Love MCR Charity.
To donate simply text MANC00 £10 (the value of your donation) to 70070 or visit: www.justgiving.com/welovemcr