Sports Leaders Celebrate Success at Newark Convention
More than 150 Sports Leaders from schools, colleges and community groups across the East Midlands joined sport and leisure professionals at Kelham Hall on Tuesday 23 November to celebrate their contribution to grassroots sport. The Chief Executive of Lincolnshire Sports Partnership, Janet Inman and former Olympic Athlete and Sports Leaders UK Ambassador, Katharine Merry attended the convention, where they met with local Sports Leaders and helped celebrate the success of sports leadership in the East Midlands. A Dragon’s Den style challenge took place throughout the day, where Sports Leaders gathered into small teams to put together a ‘mini business plan’ for a new sport. Ideas were pitched to a guest panel of Dragons, including Political Advisor for Sports Leaders UK, Andy Reed, PE teacher and School Sports Co-ordinator at Highfields School, Jayne Allen and Head of Girls PE and School Sports Co-ordinator at The Grove School, Linda Smith. As well as celebrating their successes, Sports Leaders had the opportunity to take part in workshops run by SkillsActive, where they learnt skills to enhance their employability. 28 sport and leisure exhibitors were also on hand to discuss potential employment opportunities and training programmes that Sports Leaders could progress onto following their Sports Leaders UK awards and qualifications. Chief Executive of Sports Leaders UK, Linda Plowright said: “The Leaders for Life conventions enabled Sports Leaders from across the UK to benefit from the further information and opportunities that are available beyond their sports leadership awards and qualifications. “The Sports Leaders did a fantastic job in organising such a successful and productive event. I am thrilled that so many connections were made between Sports Leaders and potential employers.” 1 A Sports Leader is anyone that has gained a Sports Leaders UK award or qualification. They organise, communicate and get people involved in sports activities. Sports Leaders are role models; helping others to achieve their goals and encouraging their communities to lead fit and healthy lifestyles. Note to editors: Sports Leaders UK is a charity delivering sports leadership awards and qualifications to more than 200,000 people a year, through 4,000 schools, colleges, local authorities, prisons and young offender units. It acts as an Awarding Body providing nationally recognised qualifications, and has a Foundation to deliver free or subsidised courses in areas of greatest need. Sports Leaders UK Anne Compton, Public Relations T: 01908 689212 E: media@sportsleaders.org