Seventeen talented athletes from Welwyn and Hatfield are set to benefit from a £12,250 funding boost.
The money, awarded by charitable social enterprise GLL at an award event at Panshanger Golf Club on Tuesday, July 17, will benefit athletes from seven different sports.
Recipients were chosen from a record number of applications and the funds will be used to support the athletes on their journey.
One of these is 40-year-old Olympic weightlifter Gilda Trapani, having recovered from injury, she has now started competing again.
She said: "I am very grateful for the support I receive from GSF which has eased my recovery from injury by providing physiotherapy and access to sauna and swimming pool. Being able to train wherever I was has hugely contributed to my achievements.In addition, the experts at Switch the Play have supported the mental game of working through setbacks and rough training patches."
She added: "It was fantastic to meet the GSF community at the award ceremony, to connect, share experiences and gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible work happening behind the scenes of such a wonderful organisation."
The GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) is now in its 17th year and has contributed more than £17 million worth of athlete funding and support, distributing more than 30,000 awards.
The GSF provides financial bursaries, access to physical rehabilitation, and mental well-being support.
Aspiring athletes are given access to Better’s sport and leisure facilities across the UK, including Hatfield Swim Centre, Hatfield Leisure Centre and Gosling Sports Park in Welwyn and Hatfield.
Most of the athletes supported by the GSF are under the age of 21, and on average, 88 per cent of them receive no other funding or athlete support.
GLL partnership manager Jeremy Lake said: "The GSF provides aspiring local athletes with crucial funding, training facilities and development opportunities, helping them to achieve their full potential.
"It was an honour to be able to celebrate with them at this special event."
