GLL Sport Foundation Awards Recognize 90 Young Croydon Athletes
Ninety talented young athletes from Croydon were honored at the recent Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) Sport Foundation Awards ceremony, held at Ashburton Hall on July 18. These athletes have been making waves both nationally and internationally in their respective sports, showcasing the rich sporting talent that exists within the local community.
The Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, graced the ceremony with his presence, showing his support for the young sportspeople who have been excelling in their chosen fields. The event was a celebration of their hard work, dedication, and achievements, highlighting the importance of recognizing and nurturing sporting talent at a grassroots level.
Support for Local Athletes
The 90 Croydon-based athletes who were honored at the awards ceremony receive various levels of support from the GLL Sport Foundation, ranging from an annual training membership to a comprehensive package worth £1,250. This support includes access to sports training facilities through a Better Leisure membership, physiotherapy services, lifestyle mentoring, and mental health support, all aimed at helping these athletes reach their full potential.
Leisure services in Croydon are provided in partnership with GLL under the ‘Better’ brand, ensuring that athletes have access to top-notch facilities and resources to aid in their training and development. The support provided by the GLL Sport Foundation goes a long way in empowering these talented individuals to pursue their sporting dreams and achieve success on both national and international stages.
Recognition and Appreciation
The awards ceremony was attended by a host of local sporting enthusiasts, including Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, and representatives from the GLL Sports Foundation. Peter Bundey, Chief Executive of GLL and Chair of the GLL Sport Foundation, was also present to acknowledge the athletes and everyone involved in the program.
Bundey emphasized the positive impact that the Foundation is making in reducing inequalities across a wide range of sports, enabling athletes from diverse backgrounds to access the support they need to succeed. He highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to removing barriers to participation and supporting athletes in their quest for excellence.
A Boost for Athletes
Since its inception, the GLL Sport Foundation has awarded over 28,146 athlete awards, totaling more than £15 million in support. This significant investment has enabled athletes like Skye Taylor, a 14-year-old four-time British Taekwondo Champion who trains at Thornton Heath’s Allen Taekwondo Academy, to pursue their sporting ambitions and compete at the highest levels.
Taylor expressed gratitude for the support she has received from the Foundation, noting that it has helped her attend international competitions and move closer to her dream of representing Great Britain on the international stage. The financial assistance and access to training facilities provided by the Foundation have been instrumental in her development as an athlete and have opened up new opportunities for her to excel in her sport.
Community Impact
Richard Allen, head coach of the Allen Taekwondo Academy in Thornton Heath, commended the GLL Sport Foundation for the support it has provided to athletes at his club. He highlighted the positive impact of the Foundation’s assistance, noting that it has allowed athletes to train more effectively and access Better’s gyms and pools across Croydon, enhancing their performance and progression in their respective sports.
Executive Mayor Jason Perry reiterated the importance of tackling inequality and promoting the health and well-being of Croydon residents through initiatives like the GLL Sport Foundation. He emphasized the role of gyms and leisure facilities in providing opportunities for individuals to improve their overall well-being and lead healthier lifestyles, underscoring the positive impact of sports and physical activity on both physical and mental health.
Looking to the Future
Perry extended his congratulations to the talented local sportspeople who were honored at the awards ceremony, wishing them success in their future endeavors and expressing his anticipation of seeing them compete at future Olympic Games. The awards serve as a fitting tribute to the dedication and achievements of these young athletes, recognizing their hard work and commitment to their respective sports.
The GLL Sport Foundation Awards have become a cornerstone of support for aspiring athletes in Croydon, providing them with the resources and encouragement they need to pursue their sporting dreams and reach their full potential. The Foundation’s commitment to fostering talent, reducing inequalities, and promoting active lifestyles has made a significant impact on the local sporting community, empowering athletes to strive for excellence and achieve success on the global stage.
Empowering Young Athletes
The GLL Sport Foundation Awards play a crucial role in empowering young athletes and nurturing their talent, providing them with the support and resources they need to flourish in their chosen sports. The recognition and assistance offered by the Foundation not only benefit the individual athletes but also contribute to the overall development of the local sporting community, fostering a culture of excellence and achievement.
By investing in the next generation of sporting talent and removing barriers to participation, the GLL Sport Foundation is paving the way for a brighter future for Croydon’s athletes, enabling them to compete at the highest levels and realize their full potential. The awards ceremony serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of these young sportspeople and inspire others to follow in their footsteps, demonstrating the power of dedication, perseverance, and hard work in achieving success in sports.
Building a Legacy
As the GLL Sport Foundation continues to support and empower young athletes in Croydon and beyond, it is building a lasting legacy of excellence and achievement in the local sporting community. The Foundation’s commitment to providing athletes with the tools and resources they need to succeed is laying the foundation for a new generation of sporting stars, who will go on to represent their communities and their country on the international stage.
By recognizing and nurturing talent at a grassroots level, the GLL Sport Foundation is creating opportunities for young athletes to pursue their dreams and excel in their chosen sports, regardless of their background or circumstances. The impact of the Foundation’s support extends far beyond the individual athletes it benefits, reaching into communities across the UK and inspiring a new wave of sporting talent to rise to the challenge and push the boundaries of what is possible in sports.
Looking Ahead
As the GLL Sport Foundation Awards continue to honor and support young athletes in Croydon, the future looks bright for the local sporting community. With a strong commitment to reducing inequalities, promoting active lifestyles, and fostering talent, the Foundation is playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of sporting stars and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential in sports.
Through its ongoing support and investment in athletes, the GLL Sport Foundation is creating a pathway for success and excellence, enabling young sportspeople to reach new heights and realize their dreams. The awards ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating sporting talent at all levels, inspiring others to pursue their passions and strive for greatness in their chosen fields.