90 Croydon athletes were recognised at the Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) Sport Foundation Awards.

Talented young Croydon athletes, who compete both nationally and internationally, were recognised at the ceremony at Ashburton Hall on July 18. 

Executive Mayor of Croydon, Jason Perry, attended the ceremony, which recognised 90 talented local sportspeople.   

All 90 Croydon-based athletes receive support, which is tiered ranging from an annual training membership to a package worth £1,250, including access to sports training facilities with a Better Leisure membership, physiotherapy services, lifestyle mentoring and mental health support.

Leisure services are provided in Croydon in partnership with GLL under the 'Better' brand.  

The Mayor was joined at the awards by 28 local sporting enthusiasts, Councillor Andy Stranack, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture, as well as GLL Sports Foundation staff. 

Peter Bundey, Chief Executive of GLL and the Chair of the GLL Sport Foundation, attended to pay tribute to the athletes and everyone involved in the programme.

He highlighted the impact the Foundation is making to reduce inequalities across a wide range of sports. 

He said: “These awards offer a welcome boost for athletes to continue the richly diverse sports they love and excel in – allowing us to reach deep into communities across the UK to remove barriers to participation. 

“Since the Foundation began, we have now given over 28,146 athlete awards, totalling over £15m of support.” 

Richard Allen, Allen Taekwondo Academy in Thornton Heath head coach, said: “The support that the GLL Sport Foundation has provided over the years for our athletes at the club is fantastic.

“It means our athletes train more and gain further access to Better’s gyms and pools across Croydon.” 

14-year-old Skye Taylor, four times British Taekwondo Champion, who trains at Thornton Heath’s Allen Taekwondo Academy, said: “The award really helps towards attendance at international competitions, and will continue to help bring me closer to my dream of being a GB athlete and competing in international competition.” 

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “Tackling inequality and improving the health of our residents is so important.

“Our gyms and leisure facilities provide opportunities for us all to improve our wellbeing. 

“These awards are a fitting tribute to our talented local sportspeople. I wish them all the best in their future career and I can’t wait to see them competing in future Olympics.”