Hackney Athletes Celebrate Awards at GLL Sport Foundation Evening

Hackney’s young athletes were in the spotlight on the 24th June at the GLL Sports Foundation Awards Evening, held at the scenic West Reservoir Centre. The event celebrated the achievements of 26 local sports stars, all supported through this year’s Hackney GLL Sports Foundations programme, which is backing a total of 61 local athletes in 2025/26.

Guests of honour included Mayor Caroline Woodley who reaffirmed the shared commitment, between GLL and the council, to invest in opportunities for young people in the borough. She also joined in presenting certificates to the athletes.

A highlight of the evening was an inspiring Q&A session featuring long-distance runner Luca Minale and MMA fighter Tom Bennet, who shared personal stories of perseverance and how support from sport foundation has shaped their athletic journeys.

The guests at the event also enjoyed a performance from local poet Christian Foley, who read a very powerful poem about a group of young men learning to swim at Britannia Leisure Centre and the empowerment this gave them to visit and swim in the sea for the first time.

With 93% of Hackney’s GSF athletes receiving no other funding, the £41,900 provided this year is vital. Nearly half of the supported athletes are under 21, with 20% under 16, representing 17 sports—from BMX racing and swimming to athletics and triathlon.

Guests enjoyed a delicious Caribbean meal to round off the evening, which received glowing feedback from both athletes and council representatives.

A huge thank you goes out to the staff at West Reservoir Centre and the Hackney management team for their efforts in bringing this special evening to life.