Printed Date: 13/11/2024

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

 

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