The event marked the announcement of the 77 local sportspeople who will be supported by the Foundation this year.
Justin – who was paralysed from the waist down when a medical procedure went wrong just before his 21st birthday – has been supported by the Foundation for the last twelve years. He has competed in wheelchair racing, wheelchair basketball and Jiu Jitsu, taken part in 29 marathons and on top of that has cycled across the USA and Rwanda using a specially-adapted bike, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity in the process.
“If you’re disabled, people want to wrap you up in cotton wool,” he explains, “but a lot of para-athletes are more capable than able-bodied people! There are some incredible people out there. You might be paralysed but you can have fun, anyway.”
In addition to taking part in challenges and competitions, Justin mentors others coping with injury and disability. He is also an ambassador for the GSF and last night, took part in an inspiring Q & A session, sharing his experiences and his positive outlook on life.
“GLL’s Sport Foundation is an amazing resource,” he comments. “Most people don’t realise that most athletes don’t get any support. As a disabled athlete, it’s good to know that I can go into any ‘Better’ leisure centre or gym and it will be completely accessible. All the equipment can usually be adapted for wheelchair users.
“I can honestly say that whichever centre I visit, the staff are always welcoming and encouraging. There is no fear of being judged.”
The GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) was launched in 2008 and has grown to become the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme. It provides financial and in-kind support to talented athletes, helping them overcome financial barriers to progress in their sporting careers.
Funding assists with essential costs such as travel, coaching, equipment, and competition fees. All supported athletes also receive free access to GLL’s sport and leisure centres and wellbeing services, operated under the ‘Better’ brand.
Last night’s event was attended by 34 of this year’s supported athletes along with Councillor Edith David, the Deputy Mayor of Barnet, Courtney Warden, Barnet’s Service Manager for Sport and Physical Activity, and Luana Tierney, Barnet’s Greenspaces and Leisure Partnership Manager.
GLL was represented by Tony Wallace, Regional Director, Partnership Manager Dan Morris, and Andy Gilbert, Physical Activity and Health Manager.
Dan Morris, comments, “Justin is a complete inspiration. It was great to see him and all the other talented athletes at the awards evening and to learn a bit more about his life and career. I can’t wait to see what they’re all going to achieve this year!”