CAMDEN COMMUNITY UPDATE - JUNE 2023
GLL SPORTS FOUNDATION 2023 AWARDS CELEBRATING TALENTED CAMDEN ATHLETES
36 talented young athletes from Camden will benefit from a £20,800 fund through the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK, which this year marks its 15th year of supporting todays’ and tomorrow’s athletes. The athlete awards cover Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, Special Olympic and Commonwealth sporting disciplines. 71% of our Camden award recipients receive no other sport funding and 63% of recipients being aged under 21, the Sport Foundation has highlighted a vital funding gap for young talented athletes currently competing at National and International levels. An awards ceremony was held on Tuesday 13th June at Camden Council’s offices to recognise the local athlete’s achievements and providing an update on the national programme to all those in attendance. Special guests included the Mayor of Camden Councillor Nazma Rahman, Councillor Sabrina Francis (Cabinet Member Young People & Culture), Camden Council Sports and Physical Activity management team, Phil Donnay (GLL Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Financial Officer), and compere for the evening Paul Lister (GLL Head of Service).
Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nazma Rahman said “What an incredible and inspirational evening. I am so proud that Camden has such talented individuals who are not just committed to their own progression but also want to motivate others to take part in sport and physical activity. I wish all our promising stars successful futures in their chosen sports”.
Camden supported athlete Catherine Demont who is a Masters Swimming, freestyle & butterfly swimmer with a National Ranking of 3rd W30-34 said “It is already wonderful to be granted this award, but to be able to accept it in person is an honour. I love the opportunity to meet my fellow athletes being supported in the borough, and I am always inspired by the young emerging talent who are benefiting from this support. I too hope they feel encouraged to see mature athletes such as myself who are still striving to succeed in sport! I hope more & more athletes who have won the award choose to join the evening in the following years, as it does make the achievement that extra bit special.”
Camden supported Triathlete Roslyn McGinty who won a Silver Medal at the World Long Course Champs said “It was lovely to meet you, other members of the GLL team and fellow athletes. It was a superb location for the awards ceremony. Although I’m no youngster the training award I received makes a huge difference to me and it was also fantastic to see the support that GLL provides to the next generation of athletes too. I really am truly grateful to have been granted this award and hope I can do GLL proud in my races this year”
FIT INTO KINDNESS WITH AGE UK CAMDEN
Hot on the heels of our welcoming coffee mornings and providing warm spaces for our community in partnership with Age UK Camden, leisure centres in Camden are supporting the Fit into Kindness Fundraiser from 5th June- 28th July where anyone can sign up to get sponsored for a gym workout, a yoga session, a swim, or any other preferred activity. This event was hugely successful in 2022 which took place in Parliament Hill Lido; this year, following a close working relationship, Age UK Camden decided to partner with us for this project. Age UK Camden’s services are needed more than ever. They are vital for the wellbeing of so many older people living in our community who are experiencing increasing hardship and isolation within the challenges of the current day realities. Age UK Camden have secured support from large organisations in Camden such as Google and Facebook, and we are currently working with our corporate partners to increase the support for the fundraiser.
COMMUNITY SPORT OFFICER GLL WORKER BOARD SUCCESS
Adriana Duarte, GLL Camden Community Sports Officer (CSO) has been successful with her campaign to be elected on to the GLL Worker Board. In her role as a CSO her commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion makes her a standout candidate worthy of her colleagues' votes. Adriana has consistently championed these principles throughout her time with GLL, recognising that a diverse and inclusive workforce is not only morally imperative but also essential for driving innovation and success. Adriana firmly believes in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard, regardless of their background or identity. Her passion for equality shines through the wide range of initiatives to promote diverse recruitment, implement inclusive policies, and foster a culture of openness and acceptance. Adriana will now complete a 3 year term on the board and will be working closely with other board members both new and experienced who will support Adriana with her new additional role.