On Monday 15th July, Enfield Partnership held the very first GLL sports foundation evening to highlight the achievements and successes of local talented athletes from across the partnership. Enfield are supporting 27 athletes from across 10 different sports.
- 85% of our athletes receive no other central funding.
- 56% of our athletes are from an ethnic minority background.
- 59% are under the age of 21.
- 33% are under the age of 16.
- 11% Have a disability.
A total of 19 out of the 27 athletes attending along with 39 of their guests. In total 5 Enfield Council members came along to the event including Cheryl Headdon - Director of Parks, Leisure & Culture with Enfield Council, Matthew Watts - Head of Sports & Leisure, Tim Harrison- Sports and Physical Activity Manager for Active Enfield, Frank Kain-Active through Football Project Manager & Lucy Marmion- Active Enfield Sports and Physical Activity Officer.
In attendance from GLL was Peter Bundy, Chief executive and Chair of the GLL sports Foundation, Craig Woodward- PM in Reading, Matt Perren, Colin Coughtrey, Allie Nelkon and all Enfield general managers.
The evening kicked off with an introduction from Cheryl Headdon. Cheryl spoke of the newfound alliance between Better and Enfield council and the continued support that both parties will give to local talented athletes. This was quickly followed by a masterful Brazilian Jujitsu demonstration from resident Southgate duty Manager Michal Luterek and two of his BJJ North London Group, both thrilling and exciting to watch the audience was treated to a demonstration of throws, pins and sparring from the threesome. Peter Bundey then regaled the audience, with the history of GSF support and the impact to which it has had in its 16 years of running.
The evening then moved into highlighting the Enfield athletes. Highlighting the support and scale of which the support is delivered in Enfield. A unique video Q&A was included in the section, Filmed by Marshyane Allen and Dominic Hall the video showcased five of the 27 athletes, talking about their chosen sports, inspirations, and what GSF means to them, which swiftly moving into the individual athlete awards.
The presentation culminated in a motivational but most of all inspirational talk from GSF athlete and Guinness World record holder Anthony Bryan, who is also a resident fitness Instructor at Southbury Leisure Centre. Commencing with a video of his remarkable completion of the London Marathon and his Guinness World record moment, Anthony went on to speak about overcoming his barriers to sport as a child, after suffering a stroke and is inability to use his entire left side. With his unyielding determination, Anthony has gone on to compete in athletics both nationally and internationally, with his latest achievement being that of obtaining the fastest completion of a marathon with a disability (CIH).
Patrons of the evening were then treated to a meal and drinks following the event to conclude the evening.
Speaking about the evening's events, James Clements, father of Alice Clements one of the Enfield GSF athletes stated:
“Just a very quick one to say a HUGE thank you for yesterday’s event. It was absolutely brilliant.
The whole thing was wonderful- a perfect venue, really interesting and inspiring speeches, and such a positive, joyful atmosphere in the room. The film was absolutely fantastic, too - we had goosebumps watching it. The interviewing was brilliant, and the way the different strands and athletes were weaved together was incredibly skilfully done- thanks Shane and Dominic- Oscars all round!
Anyway, thanks again- I’m sure it’s been a huge amount of work to pull it all together. Alice is very lucky to be involved in things like this!”
