As the dust settles on the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, Team GB and Paralympics GB have once again proven their prowess on the global stage. Among the standout athletes were those backed by the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) – who brought home an amazing total of 77 medals – testament to GLL's commitment to developing both elite and grassroots talent across the UK.

GLL connects local communities with sport and physical activity, providing opportunities for everyone to get active and stay healthy. Working with over 70 local government and sporting body partners, we deliver our core purpose – to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of local communities. Through collaboration and expert facility management, GLL drives participation and inspires the next generation of sporting stars with a spirit of inclusion and opportunity.

A legacy of Olympic and Paralympic success

For nearly two decades, GLL, a worker-owned charitable social enterprise, has played a vital role in supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes. From backing the successful London 2012 bid, GLL proceeded to provide technical expertise, deliver Aquatics test events and train 120 volunteer Games lifeguards. GLL was chosen to operate venues during the legacy phase, ensuring facilities remained accessible for both elite athletes and the wider community.

Today, GLL continues to deliver on that promise, with a fresh 10-year partnership to run the 7,500 seat Copper Box Arena in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Home to top-tier boxing, tennis, netball and basketball events, it also now holds music concerts, fashion shows and is the venue of choice for Esports. Tournaments APEX Legends and Call of Duty show how Esports can get people active – now acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee's approval of the Olympic Esports Games to run from 2025.

Mark Camley, Executive Director of Park Operations and Venues at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, said: ‘Under GLL's operation and management, The Copper Box Arena goes from strength to strength as together we deliver one of the best legacies of any Olympic host city. Not only has it successfully established itself as the home for professional sports teams like netball Super League's London Pulse and the London Lions basketball teams, but it's fully embedded in the local community as a centre for grassroots sports supporting local clubs and ensuring access for all.'

From Paris podiums to local pools

At Paris 2024, GSF-supported athletes shone brightly. Gold medallists Alex Yee and Grace Harvey epitomised our aim to transform potential into podium success. But their journey began much earlier, in the same world-class venues where local schoolchildren and community groups train daily.

At Lee Valley VeloPark, Hockey and Tennis Centre, and White Water Centre, more than 13.5 million visits have been made since 2012 and grassroots participants have mingled with Olympic hopefuls. The White Water Centre, where Olympic slalom stars Kimberley Woods and Joe Clarke honed their skills, is also a favourite for local thrill-seekers. Last year, 190,000 visitors tackled the rapids and 94 schools were welcomed at the VeloPark.

GLL runs the Manchester Aquatics Centre on behalf of Manchester Active – famous as the home of Paralympics GB who stormed the Paris Paralympics with a haul of golds. The centre isn't just for the elite – it's a community hub and a unique place where kids can learn to swim and dream of following in the wake of champions Tully Kearney and Ellie Challis.

Commenting on creating chances for local communities through sport, Mark Rose, City of Manchester Aquatics Swim Team Head Coach, said: ‘Manchester Aquatics Centre is one of the only venues where someone can be introduced to swimming, learn to swim, transition to an academy or club – or stay in swimming through to Olympic and Paralympic level.

‘The Centre is a unique environment and Manchester Active, GLL and our clubs all work together to ensure smooth transitions into the aquatics opportunity pathways available.'

Nicky Boothroyd, Property and Contracts Lead, Manchester Active said: ‘Here in Manchester, we value experienced leisure operator GLL maintaining our world class Olympic and Commonwealth Legacy facilities in first class condition to ensure that the next generation of elite athletes can realise their full medal potential.'

Supporting the stars of tomorrow

The GSF is much more than a sponsor – it's a lifeline for many athletes. Since 2008, the GSF has provided more than 28,000 athlete awards, delivering £15m in financial and in-kind support to young, emerging talent. The majority are under 21, and 87% receive no other funding. For many, this support is the difference between staying in sport or giving up on their dreams. GSF alumni include a rollcall of household Olympic and Paralympic names including Ellie Simmons, Anthony Joshua and Tom Daley.

Olympic Gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE, GSF's patron, is passionate about its impact, especially with today's cost of living pressures, saying: ‘Providing a lifeline to remain in sport has been a game-changer for many young people on our programme.

‘Working alongside national talent pathways, GSF remains committed to maintain significant levels of support to UK athletes. That is good for national sport, the athletes and getting more young people – regardless of their background – to have the choices and chances offered by sport and physical exercise.'

Athletes like Grace Harvey, fresh off her gold medal triumph in Paris, understand just how transformative this support is: ‘Touching the wall first in the 100m breaststroke final was incredible. Its testament to the hard work of everyone dedicated to my performance – including the amazing financial support of the GSF.'

Giving back: Athletes inspiring communities

What sets GLL's approach apart is its commitment to giving back. GSF athletes don't just compete, they inspire – attending community events, sharing their stories with young people and showing that with dedication and support, achievement is limitless.

Eyes on the future

With Paris 2024 behind us, GLL is already looking forward to the future. Supported athletes now have their sights set on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with new young talent making its way through the ranks, inspired by those before them.

GLL's legacy is clear. Across venues, community participation and elite sport we are dedicated to ensuring opportunities for the next generation of athletes, creating a more active, more inclusive sporting future. We are building on our success of working with local authorities and sporting bodies, by now working with the NHS and other health and wellbeing focused organisations, to ensure that everyone can realise their health and wellbeing ambitions.