Lloyd Cowan Bursary has launched the Sophie Hahn Para Athlete Fund, a new initiative that champions para-athletes and expands access to the sport. The fund marks the fifth anniversary of Lloyd Cowan MBE’s death and celebrates a legacy rooted in belief, opportunity and community.
Supported by Nike Think Tank, Sophie Hahn MBE has established the Bursary’s first dedicated para-athlete fund. It will provide grants for athletes and their coaches and highlight emerging talent that often goes unseen.
Sophie, a Trustee of the Bursary, is one of Britain’s most decorated para-athletes with Paralympic, World and Commonwealth titles and a former world record in T38 sprinting. She first met Lloyd Cowan in her teens and says his encouragement and approach helped shape her early confidence and ambition. This fund honours that influence by creating similar opportunities for others.
Alongside her achievements on the track, Sophie has become a strong advocate for equity and representation within para-sport. Now entering her thirteenth season, she remains committed to performing at the highest level while helping to drive progress for future athletes. Sophie said:
“Lloyd backed me when I was just starting, so launching this fund with LCB means a great deal. Para-athletes deserve the same visibility and the same chances. I want this fund to help more athletes feel seen and supported.”
2008 Olympic 400m Champion Christine Ohuruogu MBE was coached by Lloyd Cowan and is a founding Trustee of the Bursary. She said:
“We can’t believe it’s been five years since Lloyd passed, and we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved in his name. We’ve introduced more than 400 children to athletics through our Annual Athletics for All event and awarded bursaries to 530 young unfunded athletes and coaches. LCB has always supported para-athletics and launching Sophie’s fund feels like a natural and meaningful next step.”
The Sophie Hahn Para Athlete Fund will support para-athletes aged 15-30 and their coaches with grants of up to £500 a year and access to Nike kit, strengthening pathways into the sport and reducing barriers that limit progress. It reflects the ambition, community and values that defined Lloyd Cowan’s life and work.
The Fund will open for applications on Friday 16th January 2026 and close on Monday 16th February. Lloyd Cowan Bursary looks forward to the impact this fund will bring to the next generation of para-athletes.
Watch Sophie Hahn and Christine Ohuruogu in conversation with Diani Walker about the new Fund and the Lloyd Cowan Bursary.
