Almost 100 talented athletes and VIPs from around the county gathered recently to celebrate their success, at the launch of the GLL Sports Foundation Programme.

New to Cornwall, the programme develops the partnerships between Cornwall Sports Partnership, Cornwall Council and GLL in recognising talent and creating sporting ambassadors within the local community.

Chairman of Cornwall Council, Mary May, opened the event with the council's chief executive Kate Kennally, also attending.

The first to present was Mike Thomas, CSP director, about the Cornwall Talented Athlete’s Scheme. He spoke of previous sporting stars that the programme had previously supported on their journey to success, Olympic and Paralympic medallists, Helen Glover and Melissa Reid.

The Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Edward Bolitho, presented on the second programme of the evening, Young and Talented Cornwall, which supports particularly talented under 23s in the county to better allow them to reach their full potential through financial awards.

Colonel Bolitho said: “It has been inspiring to meet some of our talented sportsmen/women, and great news to hear of the new GLL Sports Foundation funding, which will complement the Young and Talented Fund very well.”

Chair of the GLL Sports Foundation, Peter Bundey, travelled from London to launch the foundation, which gives top Cornish athletes the chance to gain access to tangible support to aid their sports performance, including training membership access to over 300 venues across the UK, access to physio and injury rehab support and financial awards of up to £1,250.

My Bundey said: “It has been inspiring to see the existing effort given to young athletes at the Cornwall Sports Partnership. We are therefore really excited to be joining forces with the CSP to bring the GLL Sports Foundation to the county.

“Together we can provide fantastic opportunities for talented athletes in Cornwall that make a real difference to help them achieve their sporting dreams.”

The deadline for applications for the GLL Sports Foundation Programme is February 20. For more information email info@cornwallsportspartnership.co.uk.