SUPPORT for talented athletes across Rugby is on offer from the charitable social enterprise which runs the town’s Queen’s Diamond Jubilee sports centre.
Athletes are invited to apply for the GLL Sport Foundation Awards – the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme – before the closing date of February 20.
Support available includes financial help, access to sport facilities, physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health aid.
Now in its 15th year, the Foundation has so far contributed over £14million and distributed 26,000 awards to support young talented athletes on their sporting journey.
They include hammer thrower Craig Murch, a former pupil of Rokeby, Ashlawn and Lawrence Sheriff Schools and a lifetime member of Rugby and Northampton Athletics Club, who was crowned British champion in 2020 and finished eighth at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with support from the Foundation.
The scheme, provided by charitable social enterprise GLL and a number of partner sponsors, is expected to award £1.2million worth of help in 2024 amid heightened interest as costs for training, equipment, strength and conditioning and travel continue to rise.
All successful applicants will be given access to the 250 sport and leisure facilities across the UK operated by GLL under its ‘Better’ trading brand – including the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre.
GLL Sport Foundation Chair Peter Bundey said: “There’s still time for talented athletes across Rugby to apply for our awards and take advantage of a unique opportunity to reach their sporting potential.
“Previous athletes tell us the awards provide a lifeline to individuals who want to compete at the highest level as well as helping local communities discover the opportunities and enrichment that comes through sport.”
Athletes supported by the Foundation have won 76 Olympic and Paralympic medals and 77 Commonwealth Games medals. They include boxer Anthony Joshua, diver Tom Daley, and swimmer Ellie Simmons.
Visit www.gllsportfoundation.org to apply.
