Talented young Camden athletes win support from GLL Sport Foundation - Camden Rise

Thirty-six 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 - the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK, which this year marks its 15th year of supporting today's and tomorrow’s athletes.

The athlete awards cover Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, Special Olympic and Commonwealth sporting disciplines. 71% of Camden award recipients receive no other sport funding.

An awards ceremony was held on 13 June at Camden Council’s main offices in King's Cross to recognise the local athletes' achievements and provide an update on the national programme to attendees - including the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nazma Rahman; Councillor Sabrina Francis, Cabinet Member Young People and Culture; Phil Donnay, GLL Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, and Paul Lister, GLL Head of Service.

The Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nazma Rahman said: “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 Triathlete Roslyn McGinty, who won a Silver Medal at the World Long Course Championships, said: “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.”

Peter Bundey, GLL Sport Foundation Chair, said: “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 every region 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, whether as a future champion inspiring the nation, sports coach, volunteer, fundraiser or as an inspirational role model to other young people."

Since its launch in 2008, the fund has provided over 25,000 athlete awards at a total support value of over £14 million across the UK.

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 focused on supporting their journey as athletes.  

Background information:

• Find out more about the GLL Sport Foundation here
• GLL is the largest UK-based charitable social enterprise delivering leisure, health and community services. Operating under the Better brand, they manage 265 public sport and leisure centres, 113 libraries and 10 children's centres in partnership with 50 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations. GLL manage Camden leisure centres on behalf of Camden Council.