Date posted 26 Jan 2024
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On 20th December 2023, GLL's Sport Foundation - the UK's largest, independent athlete support programme – opened again to welcome new applications for 2024.

This annual scheme invites talented athletes from sixty-five areas across the UK to apply for a variety of assistance which includes financial help, access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health aid.

GSF has so far contributed over £14m and distributed 26,000 awards to support talented athletes on their sporting journeys. It has helped the cream of the UK's sporting community to gain 76 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 in the Commonwealth Games.

Applications are open until 20th February 2024 and this year, the Foundation expects to award £1.2m in help. All successful applicants will be given access to the 250 Better sport and leisure facilities.

Commenting on the launch, Peter Bundey paid tribute to the support of Foundation Patron Sally Gunnell and all partners involved in the programme including; SportsAid, Mary Peters Trust, SportsAid Wales, sponsors, medical and local authority partners and Switch The Play Foundation:

“Our awards work alongside a number of national talent pathways and provide a lifeline to individual athletes as well as helping local communities discover the opportunities and enrichment that comes through sport”.

Rugby league star Daisy Sanderson said: “The GSF Programme offers a unique opportunity for young athletes to take the next steps to national and international completion in the widest variety of sporting disciplines. GSF is the largest programme of its type in the UK and has been running for 16 years.”

Long jump supremo Lucy Hadaway added: “The cost of living crisis is affecting young sportsmen and women deeply. Kit, travel, nutrition and training have all got more expensive in recent years. GSF offers a way to keep athletes’ dreams alive by giving that practical support precisely when it’s needed.”

Patron Sally Gunnell contributed her own thoughts, “From my own experience starting out as a young athlete and progressing through my sport, I understand how important the recognition and support from organisations like the GLL Sport Foundation can be to a young athletes. It can make the difference in achieving sporting ambitions.”

 

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