Investing in Hackney: Turning Sporting Inspiration into Lasting Community Opportunit

Grassroots organisations in Hackney are helping more people experience the benefits of swimming, cycling and running, thanks to funding from British Triathlon and the Triathlon Trust.

When the World Triathlon Championship Series returned to London in July 2026, more than 100 of the world’s best triathletes competed alongside over 5,000 amateur participants.

But the ambition extended well beyond the race weekend.

A key part of bringing world-class triathlon back to the capital was to create a lasting legacy, opening up opportunities for people who might otherwise face barriers to taking part in physical activity.

Now, through investment from British Triathlon and the Triathlon Trust, five grassroots organisations in Hackney are helping turn that ambition into reality.

Supporting communities to get active

The funding has been awarded through the Hackney Swim Bike Run Neighbourhood Partnership, bringing together local organisations that understand the communities they serve and the challenges people face when trying to become more active.

Each project has been developed in partnership with local organisations to respond to specific community needs, with a shared focus on making swimming, cycling and running more accessible, inclusive and welcoming.

Together, the programmes are expected to support hundreds of people across Hackney, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and discover the physical, mental and social benefits of being active.

For the Triathlon Trust, the investment reflects our commitment to supporting community-led programmes that remove barriers to participation and create opportunities for people who might otherwise miss out.

Five organisations making a difference

STUK CIC: Empowering women through running

Founded by therapeutic social worker Reyss Wheeler, STUK CIC works to improve women’s physical and mental wellbeing, particularly among those experiencing health inequalities.

The organisation has received £5,000 towards a community event and the development of a women-led running group, expected to engage around 100 women.

Importantly, six participants will receive run leader training, helping to establish a sustainable programme that can continue supporting women in the community.

Reyss Wheeler explained:

“The funding from the Triathlon Trust will enable us to train women as run leaders and give them the confidence to deliver sessions in the community.”

The programme aims to demonstrate that women who may never have considered themselves runners can develop the confidence and skills to become participants, leaders and potentially coaches.

BADU: Building confidence in and out of the water

BADU uses sport, education, mentoring and community development to create opportunities for underserved young people and families.

The organisation has received £4,000 towards its BADU’s 100 Road to T100 project, helping make swimming, cycling and running more accessible to communities across Hackney.

Central to the programme is its Pool to Pond initiative, supporting adults, particularly women and people from Black and Global Majority communities, to develop water confidence and progress from swimming pools into open-water environments.

The project will also create opportunities for local residents to develop skills and practical experience through workforce development, helping build a more representative sporting community.

THIA CIC: Making movement accessible and enjoyable

THIA CIC works to tackle social isolation and health inequalities through community health, wellbeing and education programmes.

The organisation has received £3,450 towards its Reggae Aqua Splash programme, which will provide opportunities for people who are currently inactive to discover the benefits of movement.

Combining swimming, water safety education and cycling or spin activities, the project aims to introduce participants to physical activity in an enjoyable and supportive environment.

My Choice: Creating new pathways into cycling and running

My Choice is committed to making cycling more accessible for Black communities and women, while creating opportunities for people to connect through physical activity.

The organisation has received £4,500 towards its MyChoice: Spark programme, combining cycling with walk-to-run activities to provide accessible opportunities for people to build confidence and become more active.

The programme will engage children and young people, women, adults aged 50 and over and people from culturally diverse and underrepresented communities.

M2: Building confidence and resilience through movement

M2: Where Movement and Mindfulness Meet helps primary-aged girls discover the connection between physical activity and emotional wellbeing.

Its programme combines workouts, active learning, mindfulness exercises and discussions designed to strengthen self-esteem and resilience.

Participants work towards completing a 5km challenge, helping them develop confidence, experience a sense of achievement and build a positive relationship with physical activity.

The organisation has received £2,000 to deliver its programme, helping create a foundation for continued participation in sport, including potential future involvement in triathlon.

Creating a legacy beyond the finish line

While each organisation is delivering something different, they share a common ambition: to make physical activity more accessible and create opportunities that can have a lasting impact.

For some participants, that might mean learning to swim or gaining the confidence to cycle. For others, it could mean joining a running group for the first time, making new friends or developing the skills to become a community leader.

Steve Rice, Chair of the Triathlon Trust, said:

“It was fantastic to hear directly from representatives of each organisation about the difference this funding will make. While each project is unique, they all share a common goal of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for more people to take part in swim, bike and run.

“We know that major sporting events can inspire people, but lasting impact comes from community-led organisations that understand local needs and create welcoming environments where people can get active. We look forward to following their progress over the months and years ahead.”

Investing in opportunity

As the official charity of British Triathlon, the Triathlon Trust raises funds and invests in programmes that use swimming, cycling and running to reduce barriers to physical activity across Britain.

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of being active, regardless of their background, circumstances or previous experience.

By supporting trusted community organisations and investing in programmes shaped by local needs, we aim to help create opportunities that extend well beyond the initial funding.

The five projects in Hackney demonstrate how investment in grassroots activity can help turn the inspiration of major sporting events into meaningful opportunities for local communities.

Because the true legacy of sport isn’t just what happens on race day. It’s the opportunities we create for people long after the finish line.