On Wednesday 10th July 2024, Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre hosted the annual GLL Sport Foundation awards evening to celebrate athletes in Hillingdon being accepted onto the largest independent athlete award programme in the UK.
The GLL Sport Foundation is supporting 51 athletes in Hillingdon (marking a 25% increase from last year) this year with awards including financial bursaries; training and access memberships; and physiotherapy to help athletes with the cost of preparing and competing for national and international competitions. In addition, GLL has partnered with ‘Switch The Play Foundation’ (STPF) to offer holistic mental wellbeing support services to athletes including confidential, emotional support helplines; classes on topics relating to self-care and resilience; and access to video resources, guides and podcasts providing top tips.
The awards evening was a great opportunity to present athletes with their official certificates, to integrate them within the Hillingdon GSF team and to celebrate their successes over the past year. The event was well attended with over 40 attendees present including 13 athletes, as well as special guests; The Mayor of Hillingdon (Councillor Colleen Sullivan), The Cabinet Member for Residents Service, Sports Contract Manager and Public Health Senior Sports and Physical Activity Officer; and Chief Executive Officer for Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) and Chair of the GLL Sports Foundation, Peter Bundey.
All those in attendance were treated to a night of awards; food; sports performances; a VIP athlete Q&A with Commonwealth Silver Medallist Jessica Gordon Brown and much more. Sports Performances included:
- Gymnastics- The Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centres Gymnastics Team
- Taekwondo- The London Falcon Warriors (of whom 4 students are GSF athletes)
- Bhangra Dance- Virse De Waris
Overall, it was an inspiring and joyous evening at Botwell Green Sports and Leisure Centre. We would like to congratulate all of the athletes that have been accepted onto the GLL Sport Foundation scheme for the 2024 season. Well done and keep up the good work!
Hillingdon GSF Athletes Overview
- 51 athletes supported. across 18 different sports
- £30,250.00 in value
- 81% of our athletes receive no other central funding.
- 27% of our athletes are from an ethnic minority background.
- 60% are under the age of 21.
- 30% are under the age of 16.
