They included Welsh Olympic and World Championships bobsledder Kya Placide, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist boxing star Owain Allan Harris and A’leiyah James-Sweetman, a current Welsh and British karate champion and European bronze medallist who was also named as this year’s Rhodri Morgan award winner.
The event was hosted by John Donovan, Cardiff Devils ‘Ice Time TV’ commentator, and guests included Peter Bundey, GLL Chief Executive Officer, Julie Morgan, former Member of the Senedd, Sarah Stork, Cardiff Council Leisure Client Services Manager, Keeley Parsons, Cardiff Council, Robert Davies, Sport Wales, Jayne Morgans, SportsAid Wales, Dave Mason, SportsAid Wales, James Williams, Welsh Athletics Chief Executive Officer and Georgia Pike, Welsh Gymnastics.
There were 108 GSF recipients in Wales this year - ten more than in 2025.
"I had a great time at the GLL Awards evening and was grateful to be part of the question and answers session where I had the chance to share a bit of my journey,” said Kya Placide. “It was inspiring to spend time with the younger athletes coming through, seeing how big they’re dreaming and the ambition they have is something special. The sense of community throughout the evening was clear, and it was great to meet and speak with the staff who do so much behind the scenes to support us as athletes.
“A huge thank you to GLL for another fantastic awards night and for their continued support. I’m incredibly proud to be part of such a strong and encouraging network, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can help others to keep pushing, work hard, and make the most of the opportunities in front of them."
"My daughter was thrilled to receive the Rhodri Morgan award and really honoured to be part of this whole event,” said Carly, A'leiyah James-Sweetman’s mum. “A'leiyah came away feeling really positive and even more determined to achieve her next goals. A big thank you to GLL for a lovely evening and the support they’ve provided.”
Ayo Afolabi, mother of awardees Abdullah, Aliyah and Alimah, agreed “Events like this not only celebrate success but also motivate my children to keep striving for more, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support provided."
Rising badminton star Anne Winston has just won silver in the Under 15 Wiltshire Junior County Championships.
“I want to sincerely thank GLL for their scholarship that provides me with the facilities and environment to continue being a high-performance badminton player," she said.
Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs eight leisure and community centres in Cardiff on behalf of the council.
“Our 2026 GSF awards evening went very well and I’m grateful to the athletes and guests attending for making it a truly memorable event,” said Annie Hillman, GLL Community, Sport and Health Manager.
“GSF was first launched in 2008 and has supported many thousands of athletes in Wales and beyond over the last eighteen years. As the largest independent athlete support scheme in the UK, it plays a big part in helping sportsmen and women of all ages fulfil their potential.”
