Lee Valley Athletics Stadium in North London hosted the second Athletics for All event in June 2024. Olympic track and field stars of the past, including a Gladiator, led fun and engaging sessions for primary school pupils. The event, organised by the Lloyd Cowan Bursary in partnership with London Marathon Events, aimed to inspire the next generation of athletes.
The track was on ‘Fire’ as Gladiator, Montell Jordan, once Britain’s fastest female 100m sprinter, joined athletics legend Christine Ohuruogu, the 2008 Olympic 400m champion, World Indoor Triple Jump champion Yamilé Aldama, summer and winter Olympian John Herbert, and Lloyd’s son, Dwayne Cowan, to put the young participants through their paces.
One hundred and sixty children from schools across North London attended the event, which was created to encourage physical activity among under-represented groups and raise awareness of the Lloyd Cowan Bursary.
Lloyd Cowan, an international hurdler and world-class coach who guided Ohuruogu to global success, died in 2021 from COVID-19 related complications. The bursary established in his name supports the development of young athletes and coaches, particularly those who face financial barriers in the sport.
The day began with a 400-metre warm-up led by Christine Ohuruogu, followed by sessions in running, jumping, and throwing, all guided by expert coaches. Ohuruogu, a founding trustee of the Lloyd Cowan Bursary, reflected on the event:
“Last year, our first Athletics for All, was fantastic, and this year has been even better. Lloyd would have loved seeing so many young people enjoying the sport he dedicated his life to, as well as the teenagers who volunteered as sports ambassadors.
“The support from elite athletes and coaches is a wonderful testament to his legacy, and we hope these children feel inspired to join a club and remain active.”
London Marathon Events (LME) partnered with the Lloyd Cowan Bursary to deliver the event as part of its mission to provide opportunities for young people to stay physically active. Generous support came from Nike London, Neuff Athletic Equipment, and Sportshall Associates, who kindly donated goody bags and prizes for the schools.
Thank you to the incredible coaches, athletes, sports ambassadors, and LME for making the event possible.
