Talented athletes from across the borough have been recognised at Richmond upon Thames' first ever GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) Awards Evening.

Held earlier this month at Twickenham Stoop, the event brought together more than 70 guests, including 26 supported athletes, alongside their families, coaches, club representatives and local partners.

This year, 49 athletes from Richmond are receiving a combined £36,290 in financial and training support through the GLL Sport Foundation, helping competitors across a range of sports including athletics, swimming, hockey, rowing and triathlon.

The awards support both emerging young talent and established international athletes, many of whom receive no other form of funding to help cover the costs of training, equipment and competition.

A highlight of the evening was a live question-and-answer session with Team GB hockey Olympic bronze medallists Fiona Crackles and Sarah Robertson, who shared their experiences of competing at the highest level and their ambitions for the future.

Richmond Council's Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, said: "It was a great privilege to celebrate so many talented athletes from across Richmond upon Thames and to hear more about the dedication, ambition and resilience behind their sporting journeys.

"The GLL Sport Foundation plays a crucial role in helping our athletes access the support they need to train, compete and continue progressing. It can make a meaningful difference at a crucial stage in their development.

"Richmond has a proud and thriving sporting community, and it is inspiring to see athletes of all ages and disciplines representing the borough with such determination.

"I look forward to following their progress and achievements."

GLL Partnership Manager Oliver Stacey said the foundation remains central to the organisation's mission of supporting talented athletes.

He added: "Our GLL Sport Foundation remains central to our remit to widen and deepen opportunities available to talented young athletes and build a legacy through sport.

"Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and our own purpose-led business model we are delighted to announce a record 3,234 athletes will benefit from the programme this year.

"I want to wish them every success and we look forward to seeing them in competition here and abroad in years to come."

Athletes also spoke about the difference the funding has made. Olympian Fiona Crackles said the support will help her prepare for future international competitions, while rising basketball player Ava Fom described the award as "an important step towards achieving her dream of competing at the highest level."

Now in its 18th year, the GLL Sport Foundation is the UK's largest independent athlete support programme. Since launching, it has contributed almost £20 million to nearly 35,000 athletes across the country.

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