Cornish Talent Shines: 116 Athletes Share Nearly £70k in GLL Awards

In a significant boost for local talent, 116 athletes from Cornwall have received GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) awards, accumulating to nearly £70,000 in support.

This financial backing is crucial, as a staggering 85% of these athletes lack funding from any other source.

Diverse and Deserving

The awards this year have highlighted a range of promising athletes, including young talents and those overcoming disabilities. A notable 56% of the recipients are under the age of 21, and 10% are athletes with disabilities. Among the beneficiaries are some of Cornwall’s elite, including Benjamin, a top ten world canoeist; Caitlin, a target sprint shooter ranked third globally and first in the nation; Felicity, a Grade 1 para dressage rider; and Melissa, a Paralympian triathlete who clinched a silver medal at the 2023 ISA World Surfing Games.

A Decade and More of Support

GLL, a charitable social enterprise managing nine leisure centres across Cornwall on behalf of the Cornwall Council, has been championing local sports talent through the GSF awards for over 16 years. During this period, they have distributed 28,146 awards across 117 different sports, amounting to a staggering £15.386 million nationwide.

Photo: Paralympian and ISA World Surfing Games silver medallist Melissa Reid

A Lifeline for Many

James Curry, the Head of Service at GLL, expressed his satisfaction with the increased support for Cornwall’s athletes this year. He highlighted the crucial role of the GSF awards in helping athletes manage the escalating costs associated with their sports pursuits, such as equipment, training, physiotherapy, travel, and nutrition. According to James, these awards are often a lifeline that helps talented individuals stay on track towards achieving their sporting aspirations.

Looking Ahead

The impact of these awards is set to be celebrated at an upcoming awards presentation event, scheduled to take place at Callwith College in Bodmin on 27 June. This event not only acknowledges the athletes’ achievements but also encourages them to continue striving for excellence in their respective sports fields.

Cornwall’s athletes are evidently on an upward trajectory, thanks to the substantial support from the GLL Sport Foundation. As these talented individuals press forward, their stories of perseverance and success are sure to inspire the next generation of athletes in the region.