A disabled tennis player, Lily Mills, has issued an inspiring call to young athletes, urging them to apply for the prestigious GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) Awards. The GSF Awards, the largest independent athlete support program in the UK, provides valuable financial assistance, access to sports facilities, lifestyle mentoring, physiotherapy, and mental health support. The application window for these awards will close on February 20, offering talented athletes a remarkable opportunity to pave their way to sporting success.
These awards are available to gifted athletes in 65 areas across the UK. They aim to alleviate the financial burdens associated with training, equipment, conditioning, and travel while fostering the athletes’ physical and mental well-being. Successful applicants also gain access to GLL’s “Better” trading brand, which manages 250 sports and leisure facilities across the UK.
One notable recipient of the GSF Awards is tennis star Lily Mills, who has overcome formidable challenges on her path to athletic achievement. Diagnosed with meningitis, septicaemia, and the rare condition galactosemia since infancy, Lily Mills refused to be defined by her disabilities. She picked up a tennis racket at the age of five and has since excelled in the sport.
Now, at 23 years old, Lily Mills has earned a place in the ‘Persons with Intellectual Impairments’ championships at the Australian Open grand slam tournament. Her remarkable journey from adversity to triumph serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Commenting on the GSF Awards, Lily Mills said, “I’m really excited about the new round of GSF Awards. For all young athletes out there like me, these awards can make a huge difference to us staying in training and competing at the highest level.”
Over its 15 years of operation, the GLL Sport Foundation has provided £14 million in support to 26,000 young sportspeople. In 2024, in partnership with GLL, a charitable social enterprise, and various sponsors, the foundation plans to distribute £1.2 million in aid to deserving athletes across the country.
Some of the notable past recipients of GSF awards include sprinter Daryll Neita, table tennis player Anna Hursey, cyclist Charlotte Worthington, and triathlete Alex Yee.
Peter Bundey, Chair of the GLL Sport Foundation, emphasized the importance of these awards, stating, “Previous athletes tell us the awards provide a lifeline to individuals who want to compete at the highest level.”
Young athletes interested in applying for the GLL Sport Foundation Awards can do so until February 20, 2024, by visiting the foundation’s website at https:///www.gllsportfoundation.org. This opportunity stands as a testament to the GSF’s commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of sporting talent in the UK.
