As the world gears up for the much-anticipated Paris 2024 Summer Olympic (26th of July – 11th of August) and Paralympic Games (28th of August – 8th of September), the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) celebrates an impressive milestone.
A remarkable cohort of 94 athletes, both past and present beneficiaries of the Foundation's support, have qualified to compete on the world stage. This achievement underscores the Foundation's pivotal role in nurturing sporting talent and supporting athletes in reaching the pinnacle of their careers.
GSF is the brainchild of GLL – the largest charitable social enterprise leisure trust in the UK, celebrating 30 years in 2023. It is the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK.
Since its inception in 2008, the GLL Sport Foundation has been committed to fostering athletic talent across the UK. By providing financial aid, access to training facilities, and comprehensive support services, the Foundation has distributed over 25,000 athlete awards to the value of over £15m to help athletes to pursue their dreams.
During the cost of living crisis, the Foundation has made the critical difference for many young athletes who struggle to maintain their training programmes. The majority of GSF athletes are under 21 years old and 87% receive no other form of funding.
GSF’s Paris bound athletes will compete in 23 sports spanning a wide range of disciplines, including swimming, athletics, boxing, diving, and more, these athletes have showcased their prowess in national and international competitions, earning their spots to represent their national team at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Among these athletes are household names who have previously made their mark on the global stage, as well as emerging talents poised to become the next generation of sporting icons. Daryll Neita, Aidan and Michaela Walsh, Joe Clarke, Kimberley Woods and Tom Daley all hold GSF National Ambassador status.
GSF-supported 17-year-old Welsh table tennis prodigy Anna Hursey and 1500m runner Georgia Bell are emerging talents to look out for at the Paris Games.
Peter Bundey, CEO of GLL and Chair of the GLL Sport Foundation said:
“We could not be more proud of our 94 Paris-bound athletes whose dedication, perseverance, and excellence has powered them through to the very top of elite competition.
“When we set the GLL Sport Foundation up it was in response to a lack of support for athletes aiming to realise their sporting dreams. Now, more than ever, we are seeing the enduring need for ongoing access to training, financial aid and wellbeing support – making the crucial difference to young talented athletes being able to stay in competition.
“We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to seeing them back home with their medals.”
For more information, see: www.gllsportfoundation.org
see more articles here
