The annual GLL Sports Foundation Awards were a fantastic celebration spotlighting some of the most talented athletes from South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse. This year’s events, held at the Beacon Theatre in Wantage and the Carterton Leisure Centre on consecutive evenings, showcased the region’s diverse sporting community with style and enthusiasm.
Recognising Sporting Excellence
On June 26, the Beacon Theatre hosted over 100 attendees who gathered to celebrate the region’s athletes. A remarkable £54,000 in funding was allocated to 86 sportspeople excelling in disciplines such as trampolining and wheelchair motocross, among others. The awards, which included medals and certificates, were presented by Gary Starkey, Head of Service at GLL, and Kate Mulrey, Community Sport Manager.
Attendees also received goodie bags filled with sports-related items as a token of appreciation for their dedication. The evening featured a captivating Q&A session led by Paralympic rowing gold medallist Erin Kennedy and modern pentathlon athlete Elizabeth Ryan, who shared invaluable experiences and motivational insights.
Hollywood-Style Extravaganza in Carterton
The celebrations continued at the Carterton Leisure Centre on June 27 with a Hollywood-inspired setting that brought a touch of glamour to the evening. Athletes from West Oxfordshire enjoyed a night dedicated to their outstanding achievements. A total of £30,000 in funding was awarded to 51 athletes spanning numerous sports.
Esteemed guests, including Julian Sayers, Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire, Josh Lenthall, CEO of Active Oxfordshire, and Gary Starkey, made the event extra special by presenting medals and certificates. Kate Sweatman, a globally recognized GBR Equipped powerlifter and 2023 World Open Equipped champion, delivered an inspiring talk on managing sporting excellence alongside family commitments.
About the GLL Sports Foundation
The GLL Sports Foundation has been empowering athletes for 16 years and continues to make a national impact. Managed by the charitable social enterprise GLL, the foundation has supported over 28,000 athletes across 117 sports with awards totalling an impressive £15,386,230. The program’s success is a collaborative achievement made possible by the contributions of sponsors, key partners, sporting bodies, and Sports Aid.
This year’s events in Wantage and Carterton not only celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of local athletes but also aimed to inspire even greater achievements in the future. The message was clear: the community is united in supporting sportspeople and fostering a culture where success thrives.
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