05 November 2009

Dame Kelly Holmes, the Double Olympic Champion and Chair of her charity the DKH Legacy Trust, was quick out of the blocks last night to launch a new programme called ‘Champion Voice’ a strategy 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,.

Set up in July 2008 by Holmes – who retired from competitive athletics in 2005 after winning two Gold Medals in Athens 2004 –  it aims to inspire young people to find and fulfil their potential in sport or in life by using world class sports performers as role models and mentors.

And UKA has been recognised for its strength in this area – appointing 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.”

Dame Kelly Holmes, who is playing a strategic role in sport herself as President of Commonwealth Games England 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.”