On Monday 7th July, Reading celebrated its 84 successful GLL Sport Foundation athletes for 2025-26. The awards celebration took place at The University of Reading and had 97 athletes and guests in attendance.
In Reading, there are 84 Athletes benefitting from £55,400 worth of funding, with 80% of these athletes receiving no other funding. The support covers 20 sports, including Badminton, Athletics, Canoeing, Climbing, Cycling and Ultimate Frisbee to name a few. Of the athletes supported, 69% are aged under 21 and 33% are under 16.
The evening included a buffet tea, images of athletes competing in their respective sports, a detailed presentation on GLL's Sport Foundation which highlighted the growth of GSF in Reading (with applications more than doubling compared to 2024, the local value of GSF increasing by more than £20k since 2024 and a new local Physiotherapy partner agreed) as well as a Q&A session.
The inspiring Q&A session took place with two-time Olympian and Olympic Bronze medal winner, Rowan McKellar. Rowan is a GLL Sport Foundation Ambassador and has been supported by the foundation for the last 3 years. Rowan won Olympic Bronze at Paris 2024 Olympics in the Women's Eight (Rowing). Rowan detailed her journey through sport, discussing the highs and lows, the successes and setbacks and closed with some words of wisdom for the budding Olympians in the room.
The GLL Sport Foundation awards were presented by Alice Mpofu-Coles, The Mayor of Reading, and Lorraine Patrinos, People Director for GLL. Athletes were awarded a certificate, signed by GLL Sport Foundation Patron Sally Gunnell, as well as a goodie bag.
We were delighted to also have Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Member for Leisure and Culture, and Donna Pentelow, Assistant Director for Culture RBC, in attendance to share in the athlete's success and celebrations.
GLL Sport Foundation continues to be the largest athlete support programme of its kind within the UK, supporting over 2800 for 2025. Over the last 17 years the Foundation has supported 30,976 athletes with a whopping value of £17,285,080.
Applications open on the 20th of December each year, so if you are or know someone who could benefit from this scheme, make sure to keep an eye out and apply this year!
