Crystal Palace Stadium – one of the UK’s most iconic athletics venues – hosted the third Athletics for All (AfA) event, welcoming 90 local primary school pupils for a morning of fun, fitness and inspiration.
Not many 10- and 11-year-olds get to warm up with an Olympic champion and a Gladiator – but that’s exactly what happened when Christine Ohuruogu, the 2008 Olympic 400m gold medallist, and Montell Douglas, OLY – also known as Gladiator ‘Fire’ and a rare Summer and Winter Olympian – led the opening session.
Delivered by the Lloyd Cowan Bursary in partnership with London Marathon Events, the initiative celebrates the legacy of Lloyd Cowan MBE – an international hurdler and world-class coach who guided Ohuruogu to global success before his death from Covid-19 complications in 2021. The Bursary supports young athletes and coaches, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or facing financial barriers, and aims to open doors to athletics.
Throughout the morning, pupils took part in sessions across running, jumping and throwing, supported by a stellar line-up of athletes and coaches including Abdul Buhari OLY, Dwayne Cowan, Christine Ohuruogu OLY, Montell Douglas OLY, Shani Palmer, Karen Forbes, Janet Smith, Jade Johnson OLY, Sharon Morris, Sil Clay, Paul Miller, Lisa Miller & Arco, Christine Bowmaker, Mensah Elliott, Joseph Felix, Pat Apantaku, Anyika Onuora OLY, Khuwayne Linton and Jason Kalala.
The event once again showcased the power of sport to bring communities together and inspire the next generation. As Ohuruogu noted:
“Lloyd’s passion was helping young people realise their potential. It’s fantastic to see his legacy continue through Athletics for All – giving children a chance to experience the joy of sport and the confidence that comes with it.”
Teachers attending the event were equally enthusiastic about the impact on their pupils. One commented:
“In my 15 years teaching, this is the best sporting event I’ve ever attended. Thank you.”
A huge thank you to all our partners and supporters who made the day possible:
- London Marathon Events, with special thanks to Polly Irvine and Layla Hall
- Neuff Athletic – our long-term collaborators
- Amber Anning, World Athletics 400m Champion – who donated Nike (London) goody bags
- British Athletics – for tote bags and T-shirts
- HIGH5 Sports Nutrition – for sports bottles
- Athletics Weekly – for magazines
The Lloyd Cowan Bursary and Athletics for All continue to build on Lloyd’s belief that “sport should be for everyone.”
