Gladstone supports young athletes at GLL Sports Foundation ceremony

Gladstone was delighted to have recently been invited to a presentation ceremony for financial and training grants to be given to talented young athletes at the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, along with former Olympic gold medallist and world champion Sally Gunnell.

The ceremony was in support of the GLL Sport Foundation, which was set up to nurture the next generation of sporting hopefuls in the London and the South East. At the ceremony it was announced that 600 young sports men and women would each receive awards of up to £1,750. As Gladstone has been providing membership management services to a growing number of clients including GLL, is has, by way of investing back into sport, recently taken the decision to sponsor the not-for-profit GLL Sports Foundation.

Gunnell, Patron of the GLL Sport Foundation, commented, "In its second year of operation I'm delighted to see that the GLL Sport Foundation is expanding to help even more deserving young athletes in London and the South East. With ever more sponsors on board and a new partnership with SportsAid, the Foundation is one of the most active bodies in the region, working to help young athletes meet the rising costs of competition and training."

Dr Said Ziai, CEO of Gladstone plc commented, "The young sporting talent of London and the South East could be pivotal for Britain's success at the 2012 Olympic games, and beyond. Gladstone is happy to support those talented young professionals in helping to make their Olympic dreams come true."

The GLL Sport Foundation was set up to highlight the positive benefits of sport and the beneficial impact that positive role models can have within society.

Peter Bundey, Chair of the GLL Sport Foundation added, "The aim of the Foundation is to provide practical and tangible support for talented young athletes within 15 London & South East boroughs. Following on from the success of our first year, it is clear that in their local communities many of these young people are proving fantastic role models to others and we want to positively support this message."

The Foundation also supports a number of elite athlete ambassadors who can help to inspire young sporting talent. For 2009 the ambassadors include; Andy Turner (athletics), Winston Gordon (Judo), Ed Cox (kayak) and Dervis Konuralp (Paralympic swimming), none of whom get individual Lottery funding despite being proven GB sporting talent. Other lottery supported ambassadors include; Jade Johnson (athletics), Zac Purchase (rowing), Perri Shakes-Drayton (athletics) and Chris Tomlinson (athletics). All of these ambassadors will be helping the Foundation to motivate and inspire emerging and new talent.

Further information on the Foundation and details on how to apply for the next round of funding can be found at www.gllsportfoundation.org

27 August 2009