42 GLL Sport Foundation past and present Athletes Selected for the Paralympics
As the excitement from the Paris Olympic Games begins to settle, all eyes now turn to the Paralympic Games (28th August – 8th September), where 42 athletes supported by the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) are preparing to represent Great Britain with pride and determination.
The GSF Awards are the brainchild of GLL - the UK's foremost charitable social enterprise providing leisure and cultural services in partnership with local authorities.
These athletes, supported by GSF through various stages of their careers, will represent Team GB across a wide range of sports. This selection not only highlights the exceptional talent and dedication of the athletes but also underscores GSF’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to athletes with disabilities.
Featured athletes athletes at this year’s Paralympic Games:
Chris Skelley (Ambassador – Swindon), a veteran of Para Judo, will also be taking to the mats in Paris. As a former Paralympic gold medalist, Chris is no stranger to the pressures of the global stage and will be looking to defend his title with the same grit and determination that have defined his career.
Para Triathlon will see Charlie Harding (Top-Up – Eden) take on a unique role as the guide for Oscar Kelly (Alumni – Waltham Forest). Charlie’s experience and teamwork will be crucial as they navigate the challenging course together, showcasing the strength of partnership in this demanding event.
Among the athletes heading to Paris is Blaine Hunt (Ambassador – Islington), who will compete in Para Cycling. With his incredible speed and endurance, Blaine is a strong contender in the cycling events, where he will aim to add to his growing list of achievements.
Aaron McKibbin (Ambassador – Epsom & Ewell), a standout in Para Table Tennis, is another athlete to watch. Known for his quick reflexes and strategic play, Aaron is a formidable opponent who has consistently proven himself on the international stage.
In rowing, Erin Kennedy (Ambassador – South Oxfordshire) and Giedre Rakauskaite (Ambassador – South Oxfordshire) will be pushing for medals in the fiercely competitive waters of Paris. Both athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance in their sport, and they will be looking to capitalize on their preparation to achieve podium finishes.
The swimming events promise to be another area of strong performance for GSF
athletes. Grace Harvey (Ambassador – Manchester), Louise Fiddes (Ambassador –
Welwyn & Hatfield), Suzanna Hext (Ambassador – Swindon), and Tully Kearney
(Ambassador – Manchester), are all set to dive into action. Each of these swimmers has a track record of success, and their participation in multiple events could see them bringing home a significant medal haul.
Amy Truesdale (National Ambassador – Manchester), competing in Para Taekwondo, brings a fighting spirit to the Games. Her journey to Paris has been marked by perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence, qualities that will serve her well in the heat of competition.
Lucy Shuker (Ambassador – Sutton), competing in Wheelchair Tennis, rounds out the impressive roster of GSF athletes. Lucy’s agility and powerful game have earned her a place among the world’s best, and she will be aiming to add another chapter to her storied career in Paris.
As these athletes prepare to compete on the world stage, the entire GSF community stands behind them, proud of their achievements and inspired by their dedication.
These athletes represent the diversity and excellence of the GSF-supported community, and their participation in the Paralympics is a testament to their hard work and the foundation’s effective support structure. We look forward to their
performances and wish them the best of luck in their quest for Paralympic glory.
GSF Athletes Competing at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games:
Jodie Grinham Para Archery Great Britain
Victoria Kingstone Para Archery Great Britain
Aled Davies Para Athletics Great Britain
Ali Smith Para Athletics Great Britain
Anna Nicholson Para Athletics Great Britain
Daniel Pembroke Para Athletics Great Britain
Zac Shaw Para Athletics Great Britain
Zak Skinner Para Athletics Great Britain
Dave Phillipson Para Canoe Great Britain
Blaine Hunt Para Cycling Great Britain
Fran Brown Para Cycling Great Britain
Kadeena Cox Para Cycling Great Britain
Matthew Robertson Para Cycling Great Britain
Mari Durward-Akhurst Para Equestrian Great Britain
Chris Skelley Para Judo Great Britain
Daniel Powell Para Judo Great Britain
Louise Sugden Para Powerlifting Great Britain
Charlie Harding Para Triathlon Great Britain
Claire Cashmore Para Triathlon Great Britain
David Ellis Para Triathlon Great Britain
Oscar Kelly Para Triathlon Great Britain
Ben Pritchard Rowing Great Britain
Erin Kennedy Rowing Great Britain
Giedre Rakauskaite Rowing Great Britain
Issy Bailey Shooting Great Britain
Alice Tai Swimming Great Britain
Callie-Ann Warrington Swimming Great Britain
Cameron Vearncombe Swimming Great Britain
Grace Harvey Swimming Great Britain
Louise Fiddes Swimming Great Britain
Suzanna Hext Swimming Great Britain
Tully Kearney Swimming Great Britain
Aaron McKibbin Table Tennis Great Britain
Amy Truesdale Taekwando Great Britain
Ben Fox Wheelchair Basketball Great Britain
Jim Palmer Wheelchair Basketball Great Britain
Jodie Waite Wheelchair Basketball Great Britain
Joy Haizelden Wheelchair Basketball Great Britain
Dimirti Coutya Wheelchair Fencing Great Britain
Gemma Collis Wheelchair Fencing Great Britain
Ben Bartram Wheelchair Tennis Great Britain
Lucy Shuker Wheelchair Tennis Great Britain