From Lewisham to the World
Friday 22 November saw Lewisham's Ladywell Arena renamed in honour of the world's most successful triathlete - Alex Yee MBE.
GLL operate the arena as part of the borough-wide leisure contract with Lewisham Council.
'The Pride of Lewisham' - born in Lewisham hospital 26 years ago - has remained in the borough, inspiring a new generation from his old school 'Stillness Primary' - who came to meet their hero at a special ceremony at the track - now renamed the Alex Yee Ladywell Arena - where he trained as a young teenager.
VIP attendance included Brenda Dacres - Mayor of Lewisham; Cllr Louise Krupski - Deputy Mayor; Cllr Edison Huynh - Cabinet Member for Culture & Communities; Vicky Foxcroft - MP Lewisham North; Ellie Reeves - MP; Ruth Daniels - Chief Executive Officer- British Triathlon; Andy Dalby-Welsh- Chief Executive Officer, London Youth Games.
Lewisham's Mayor Brenda Dacres and local MP Vicky Foxcroft made speeches alongside Alex who said:
"I hope many more young people in Lewisham continue to enjoy and use this arena to follow their dreams and become the best versions on themselves."
News crews from ITV London and BBC London were also there to mark the occasion.
The self-effacing sports star - an alumnus of the GLL Sport Foundation - has had a momentous year, unbeaten as World and Olympic triathlon champion and crowned SJA Sportsman of the Year.