What’s fueling the North East’s athletic rise? The GLL Sport Foundation is celebrating 58 incredible athletes, including a Paralympic medalist, set to dominate in 2025! From rigorous training to major championships, discover the support propelling these local heroes. Who do you think will be the next big name?
The North East of England is once again celebrating its vibrant sporting talent, as the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) proudly announces its 2025 intake. This significant initiative will see 58 dedicated athletes from Newcastle and Gateshead receive crucial support, underscoring the region’s commitment to nurturing its promising sports stars. As the UK’s largest independent athlete award program, the GSF plays a pivotal role in the journey of many aspiring and established athletes, providing a springboard for their continued success and development.
This year’s cohort represents a diverse array of disciplines and ambitions, with each recipient poised to make their mark on national and international stages. The GSF’s comprehensive support package is designed to alleviate the financial burdens often faced by elite athletes, covering essential costs such as training, equipment, and competition travel. Such provisions are vital in allowing these individuals to focus wholeheartedly on their performance and realize their full potential.
Among the celebrated athletes is Anna, a 30-year-old from Durham, whose remarkable journey in para athletics began in 2010. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Anna discovered her passion for Shot Put during a multi-sports introductory day for people with disabilities. Her dedication and talent quickly became evident, propelling her to compete at the highest levels of the sport, inspiring many with her resilience.
Anna’s career highlights include an impressive 4th place finish at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris. Building on this success, she was selected for her second Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024, where she triumphantly secured a Bronze medal. These achievements not only showcase her athletic prowess but also highlight the profound impact of sustained support and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The GSF Award has been instrumental in Anna’s ongoing training at Gateshead International Stadium. She expressed profound gratitude for the support, particularly the access to Better leisure facilities nationwide, which eliminates concerns about membership fees and ensures consistent training venues. This holistic approach to athlete welfare is a cornerstone of the GSF philosophy, recognizing the multifaceted needs of competitive sportspeople.
The recent awards evening served as a fantastic opportunity for the Newcastle and Gateshead athletes to connect, share experiences, and celebrate their collective achievements. Anna emphasized the wealth of talent within the region and the invaluable networking possibilities such an event provides. Such community building reinforces the notion that athletic success is often a collaborative effort, bolstered by peer support and shared ambition.
Looking ahead, Anna is focused on competing in her third World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi on October 4th, followed by aspirations for the European Para Athletics Championships in 2026. The GSF award is poised to provide crucial backing for both her intensive training regimen and essential recovery, ensuring she is in peak condition to deliver her very best performances. The GLL Sport Foundation continues to be championed by Patron Sally Gunnell, OBE, and benefits from key partnerships with organizations like SportsAid, SportsAid Wales, Mary Peters Trust, and local authority partners, strengthening its impact on future generations of athletic stars.
