Paralympian Louise Fiddes Calls Local Athletes to Apply for GLL Sports Awards!

GLL Sport Foundation is the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, offering £1.4m worth of assistance in the form of financial support, free access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health support.

Former award recipient and Paralympian swimming champion Louise Fiddes – who grew up in Welwyn Garden City and trained at Hatfield Swim Centre - says: “I am proud to support the GLL Sport Foundation which not only recognises hard work and determination, but also inspires athletes across the UK to pursue their dreams with confidence.

“By providing access to crucial funding, training facilities and development opportunities, GLL Sport Foundation is a vital pillar of support for aspiring athletes which enables them to reach their full potential.”

According to new GLL research, supporting sport is seen as important by the people in the South East - 83% said taking part in competitive sports benefited young people’s physical health, discipline/focus (74%) and social/teamwork skills (71%). In addition, 27% said that a career in sport offers great opportunities to younger people from under privileged backgrounds.

GLL Sport Foundation was launched 17 years ago by sport and leisure operator and charitable social enterprise GLL, with the aim of supporting talented young athletes with funding and practical help. It has so far contributed over £13m to help over 24,000 athletes on their sporting journey.

GLL Sport Foundation supported athletes have excelled in major competitions and have gained over 86 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 Commonwealth Games medals. Other previous holders of GSF awards include Darryl Neita (athletics), Anna Hursey (table tennis), Charlotte Worthington (BMX), Alex Yee (triathlon), boxers Anthony Joshua, Aiden and Michaela Walsh, divers Tom Daley, Matty Lee and Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix, swimmers Tully Kearney, Susie Rodgers, Tom Dean and Ellie Simmons.

The awards are open now and close on 20 February 2025. Applicants can apply via the website: https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/application-form

 For more information contact sam.westcott@gmail.com / 07585 909541