Better Stories

Better Stories: Sara Perry GLL Sport Foundation

We are joined on the Better Stories Podcast by Sara Perry who is a swimmer and athlete from North London doing the best of her training right here in Hackney at London Fields Lido. Sara has been competing in the Masters category at County, Regional, National, European level, and at World Masters. Sara holds 10 top 10 national (GB) 2024 rankings across eight events spanning both long course (50m) and short course (25m) rankings. (9 of these rankings are top 8). Sara medalled at the British Masters Championship in 2024 gaining three silver medals and won three gold medals at the Swim England London Regional Masters Swimming Championships. She also won six gold medals at the Middlesex County Masters Swimming Championships. Applications for this years GLL Sport Foundation are open now until the 20th February. https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/

Better Stories: Naomi DePeza Better Open Weekend

In association with Hoxton Radio and Better – a charitablesocial enterprise We are going to be exploring some of the gyms, leisure centres, fitness hubs and creative spaces across Hackney. In this episode we look ahead to the Better Open Weekend which is a national event held at Better leisure centres onNovember 22nd and 23rd offering free access to gym sessions, swimming, and various fitness classes for all ages. The goal is to encourage people to try new activities andfind ways to stay active. Many local centers will have special events, so it is best to check the Better.org website for details specific to your area.  To let us know more about swimming activities across Hackneywe have Naomi DePeza who is a coach at numerous sites across the area and has been inspiring students young and oldfor many years. https://www.instagram.com/naomi.depeza/

Better Stories GLL Sport Foundation

In association with Hoxton Radio and Better – a charitablesocial enterprise we are exploring some of the gyms, leisure centres, fitness hubs and creative spaces across Hackney. In this episode we talking the GLL Sport Foundation. Now in its 17th year the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) hasso far contributed over £17m worth of athlete funding and support and distributed over 30,000 awards to young and talented athletes in 70 areas of the UK where GLL operate and across 117 different sports. 61 talented athletes from Hackney will benefit from over£41,000 worth of support as the GLL Sport Foundation announces its 2025/26 athlete cohort At the Hackney GSF Awards Event held at West ReservoirWater Sports Centre in June, athletes and partners gathered to hear how this year's athlete award fund of £41,900 will help support talented athletes on their sporting journey. Local GSF athletes in Hackney include Helena Stone(amputee football) and the three Millar siblings who all compete in BMX racing, plus live in the studio Luca Minale long distance runner. Luca talks us through his career, his love for food andcooking and his deep and personal connection to the London 2012 Olympics. We also welcome Allie Nelkon who is the area communitysports manager in Hackney.

Better Stories: Half Term Boredom Busters

Welcome to the Better Stories Podcast where we govisiting some of the gyms and leisure centres across Hackney to meet some of the characters who run the spaces and hear about the communities they support. In this episode we’re looking at all the great activities and events running for Half Term for kids. Today’s guest has been with Better for 16 years workingall over the UK and Northern Ireland helping to launch centres and ensure they’re running in order. Siobhan Deehey is currently the General Manager at Queensbridge Sport & Community Centre and was an integral part in the re launch of the glorious new Britannia Leisure Centre on Shoreditch Park. Siobhan gives us a run down of what is happening acrossHackney and the vast range of activities, clubs and offers running for Half Term.

Better Stories: London Fields Lido

The Better Stories Podcast. In association with Hoxton Radio and Better – a charitablesocial enterprise We are going to be exploring some of the gyms, leisure centres, fitness hubs and creative spaces across Hackney. In this episode we are heading to London Fields Lido whichfirst opened in 1932 and welcomes 350,000 visitors per year. The 50 metre outdoor heated lido is one of only a few inLondon and one of the finest on the map. The pool was used during the London 2012 Olympics and hostsregular gala’s, swimathons, fund raisers and community activities. In this episode we will meet some of the members and asktheir thoughts on the club, the community feel of the space and what they would recommend to a friend or family member who is thinking of coming. We also chat to the staff, local charities and artists whoall share the space and make it one of the most loved landmarks in our borough. Follow London Fields Lido on social media and stop in for aswim today using the Better App and better.org.uk