GLL Sport Foundation Awards Evening 2026
40 talented athletes from Hammersmith & Fulham to benefit from over £30,000 worth of support as the GLL Sport Foundation announces its 2026/27 athlete cohort.
GLL recently announced that 40 athletes in the partnership across 14 sports had been successful in applying for the GLL Sport Foundation and will benefit from being part of the 2026 intake. The Foundation is the largest independent athlete award programme in the UK.
Since it was launched in 2007 the GLL Sport Foundation has contributed over £19.5 million worth of athlete funding and support. Over 34,000 athletes have received awards across in 80 areas of the UK where GLL operate and across 121 different sports.
Athletes from Hammersmith & Fulham gathered for the partnership awards evening on May 18th at Novotel West London to hear how this year's athlete award fund of £30,600 will help support talented athletes on their sporting journey.
The Awards Evening was opened by the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham Cllr Sharon Holder. The main presentation was delivered by GLL National Community Engagement Manager, Colin Coughtrey. He spoke about the national and local picture, as well as the partners who help make it all possible. This includes Switch the Play Foundation, who support athletes with their mental health and wellbeing.
Local GSF athletes in Hammersmith & Fulham include triple jumper Axel Ottosson and national junior Taekwondo champion Fabio Carvalho.
On the evening 21 athletes were presented from a number of sports, who all received GSF certificates and Goody Bags from the Mayor and the Hammersmith & Fulham Partnership Manager.
A Question & Answer session was conducted with GSF Ambassador David Ambler, double World Champion and Olympic Bronze medallist rower. He is currently recovering from injury and highlighted the importance of being able to use GLL facilities to help with his recovery. David described his sporting journey and his career highlight of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He also brought in his Olympic medal which fellow athletes and their support were delighted to get a photo with.
Partnership Manager Emily Simmons said, “It was great to get some many talented athletes from Hammersmith & Fulham together and celebrate their achievements. GLL is proud to support them on their sporting journey, with 88% of the athletes receiving no other funding”.
Community Sport Manager commented, “There are a lot of talented athletes in the borough and with the GLL Sport Foundation’s support many get the chance to fulfil their potential. It was great to have a range of athletes here tonight some starting their sporting journeys to those who have won medals at the highest level. Well done to all”.