Champion Voice is launched by Dame Kelly Holmes

Dame Kelly Holmes, Chair of the DKH Legacy Trust has launched a new programme called ‘Champion Voice’. This initiative, supported by the Central Council of Physical Recreation (CCPR) and targeted at National Governing Bodies of Sport and other sports organisations, is designed to help sport make the most of the experience and talents of retiring sports stars  both at a development and strategic level.

Attending the event were  representatives from the British Olympic Association, The Central Council for Physical Recreation, and National Governing Bodies of Sport as well as a range of elite sports performers, and Odgers Berndtson the executive search firm which has formed a partnership with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust to support the ‘Champion Voice’ programme.

The charity was set up in July 2008 by Dame Kelly and aims to inspire young people to find and fulfil their potential by using world class sports performers as role models and mentors. The Champion Voice initiative aims to support  the workforce of elite sports performers who give back to sport and young people as they transition to new post competition careers.

UK Athletics have appointed two world class performers, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and Jason Gardener to their board. Ed Warner, Chair of UK Athletics said: “The appointment of Tanni and Jason to our board has provided a critical insight and perspective to the strategic direction and operation of UK Athletics. Their involvement means our sport stays on track, focused on making the right decisions for everyone, from the grass roots performer right through to the world class team….their input is invaluable.”

Among the other National Governing Bodies of Sport who attended the Champion Voice event are: British Rowing, The Amateur Swimming Association, England Netball, England Hockey, and British Canoe Union as wells as sports organisations like Street Games who have recently been appointed as a national partner to Sport England.

Dame Kelly Holmes said: “We are heading into an amazing decade of sport in this country and I really believe that elite sports performers have more of a role to play in the sporting system. I am delighted to see so many National Governing Bodies here today, thinking about how they can harness the talents of their top performers to enhance their sport at every level.”

Di Ellis, Chair of British Rowing said: “We are delighted to be working with the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust to explore ways that we can make the most of world class performers within British Rowing. The skills and experience they have gained throughout their career as elite competitors provides a unique perspective, which has the potential to really enhance our work right across British Rowing”.