GLL SPORTS FOUNDATION SUPPORTING CAMDEN TALENTED ATHLETES
36 talented young athletes from Camden will benefit from a £20,800 fund – thanks to charitable social enterprise GLL. The athletes will be supported 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), Phil Donnay (GLL Deputy Chief Executive & Chief Financial Officer), and compare 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”
GSF Patron and former Olympic Champion Sally Gunnell said “Sport is such an important element in our lives whether that be as an athlete; a coach or within the wide network of support, sport can and will continue to deliver so much for us. This was seen once again from the euphoria that gripped the Nation during the World Athletics Championships last year. It was fantastic to see GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes deliver medal successes and others to break through to the international representative level. It is a core ambition for the Foundation to be successful in supporting both today’s and tomorrow’s athletes”.
Peter Bundey, GSF Chair, pays tribute to the athletes, programme stakeholders and highlighting the impact the Foundation is making: “The wealth of young sporting talent within our local communities is truly inspiring. We are delighted to play our part in supporting the development of sporting talent across in every region in the where GLL operate sports and leisure facilities. We believe that the vast majority of the athletes that benefit from the GLL Sport Foundation will give something back to sport and society in a positive way; whether as a future champion inspiring the nation, sports coach, volunteer, fund raiser or as an inspirational role model to other young people to get active and involved in sport”.
“I would like to thank all our partners and sponsors for their support for the programme. SportsAid, SportsAid Wales and Mary Peters Trust provide the direct links to Sport Governing Body talent pathways, whilst our many corporate sponsors headlined by GLL and Technogym, numerous local authorities, university and physiotherapy partners directly contribute to support these sporting dreams to become a reality”.
Since its launch in 2008, the GSF has provided over 25,000 athlete awards at a total support value of over £14 million across the UK.
The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games were historic successes for home nations, and GSF supported athletes also broke the Foundation’s record medal haul at a single competition - with 18 medals won between the 60 athletes that competed.
Supported athletes receive Award packages that include financial grants of up to £500, free training memberships enabling access across 300 GLL and partner operated sporting venues along with access to sports science, medical support and employment opportunities all focussed towards supporting their athlete journey.