Croydon’s rising sports stars were celebrated last night at the GLL Sport Foundation awards, with wheelchair racer Erin O’Flaherty taking centre stage at Ashburton Hall. The 20-year-old athlete from Addiscombe, who lives with cerebral palsy, was among more than 100 local athletes recognised for their dedication and achievements in sport.
The annual event was attended by 40 athletes, their families, and local dignitaries, including Executive Mayor Jason Perry, Councillor Andy Stranack, and Sport and Leisure Manager Asone Walrond. The evening highlighted the outstanding talents across the borough and formally announced this year’s cohort of athletes to be supported by the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF).
Erin, supported by the foundation for the second consecutive year, has made remarkable progress in just four years of wheelchair racing. Ranked fourth in the UK and in the global top ten, she trains six days a week, pushing herself to speeds of 22 mph on the track.
“Wheelchair racing gives me a sense of freedom I never had before,” said Erin. “Living with a disability can be challenging—people often underestimate what we’re capable of. I couldn’t take part in PE at primary school, but a supportive teacher at Riddlesdown secondary helped me find my path.”
Having recently stepped away from her job as an early-years educator to focus fully on her athletic career, Erin said the GSF support has been vital: “This award means I can keep training without worrying about facility costs. Racing is expensive, so the help is deeply appreciated.”
This year, Croydon’s GSF programme is supporting a record 111 athletes, providing a total of £77,650 in financial aid and free access to local sports facilities run under GLL’s ‘Better’ brand. The foundation, launched in 2008, is the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme.
David Hughes, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Croydon, praised Erin’s resilience: “She’s truly an inspiration. Meeting her and the other athletes showed just how much talent and determination exists in our community.”
Mayor Perry added: “It was an honour to support this year’s awards and witness the incredible grit and ambition of athletes like Erin. They make Croydon proud.”
Erin is currently fundraising for a new, custom-made racing wheelchair after outgrowing her iconic pink model. Donations can be made via her fundraising page.
