The 3rd of June saw the return of Hackney’s GLL Sport Foundation Awards, held at West Reservoir Centre. The event brought together athletes their families and our partners to recognise the achievements of local sportspeople and the impact of ongoing support through the Foundation.
This year, 93 athletes from Hackney are being supported through the GLL Sport Foundation, receiving a total of £63,580 in funding and in-kind support. Impressively, 89% of these athletes receive no other form of financial backing.
The evening was attended by athletes, their families and council partners which included the new portfolio holder Councillor Sam Mathys. In her address, she reaffirmed the borough’s commitment to sport and physical activity, recognising the role it plays in supporting healthier, more connected communities.
A highlight of the event was a Q&A session with Olympic gold medallist Tabby Stoecker, who shared insights from her sporting journey. Her story resonated strongly with attendees, particularly her unconventional route into elite sport, inspiring many of the young athletes in the room.
The evening also showcased the breadth of talent within Hackney, with a video performance and short Q&A from one of the borough’s youngest supported athletes. At just nine years old, ice skater Maebel Drake Naylor demonstrated her skills and confidently spoke about her experience.
Across Hackney, athletes representing 25 different sports are benefitting from support, including higher numbers of BMX, athletics, triathlon, martial arts and swimming. More than half of supported athletes are aged under 21, with over a quarter under 16, demonstrating a strong focus on developing the next generation of talent.
The event concluded with an opportunity for attendees to connect while enjoying a hot Caribbean meal, with athletes and parents alike commenting on the great atmosphere. Feedback highlighted how valuable it was to hear directly from elite athletes and to meet others across a wide range of sports.
