SPORT fans will be able to meet their heroes at Liverpool ONE's Summer of Champions event over the coming weeks.

From Olympic medallists to world record holders Liverpool ONE will welcome a host of stars this summer, with some of the country’s most decorated champions dropping in to meet fans, host skill sessions and share their success stories.

Launching the series on Friday, August 2 was England Deaf International Cricketer James Dixon, who was Olympic torch bearer for London 2012.

James is a UK Deaf Sport Ambassador and is committed to supporting grassroots and elite deaf participants.

Also part of the line-up this summer is gymnast Dan Purvis, who has won Commonwealth and Olympic medals, he said: “I am delighted to be taking part in the Summer of Champions event at Liverpool ONE this August.

“This is going to be a great event and I am looking forward to meeting people of all ages, and hopefully getting them involved in the wonderful sport of gymnastics.

"Hope to see you there!”

Other sporting stars who will appear over the coming weeks are: professional boxer Natasha Jonas; sprint track athlete Anyika Onuora; sprinter Kelly Massey, who also scooped Bronze in Rio 2016; English rugby union player Rob O’Donnell and ex-marine and now the world’s fastest single leg amputee over 10km Andy Grant.

Donna Howitt, marketing director at Liverpool ONE, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to bring the Summer of Champions to visitors and to have such a fantastic line-up confirmed.

“We’ll be welcoming some of the most talented and motivational sporting heroes to share their expertise and stories of beating adversity.

"They’ll be running workshops and hosting motivational talks over the next month, so we’re really looking forward to getting it all underway!”

As part of the Summer of Champions events programme, Chavasse Park will also be transformed into a hub of sports, with free-to-play netball, athletics, rugby, tennis, boccia and football on offer, along with a special running track, winner podiums and a long jump area.

Liverpool ONE is also offering local clubs the chance to each win £1,000 towards their costs.

Donna added: “Summer of Champions is all about encouraging people to get outside and have some fun with their families and friends.

"Whether it’s trying their hand at a new activity or taking their favourite sport to the next level, we hope they’ll channel their inner champion and enjoy an action-packed summer.

A full schedule of sporting stars’ appearances can be found here:

https://www.liverpool-one.com/meet-a-champion/

For more information about the Summer of Champions and how to enter the competition please visit:

https://www.liverpool-one.com/win-for-clubs/