I was initially involved with Strathmore Community Trust in 2019 when they were looking to expand opportunities via Unified Rugby.
On a daily basis I have the pleasure of teaching sports, health and wellbeing to young adults with a range of abilities and see first hand the wide reaching benefits of this for everyone involved.
The Trust was a perfect fit to help support positive, meaningful and sustainable transition into community opportunities. For many beneficiaries this option just wasn’t available or accessible – the Trust broke down these barriers and opened up possibilities. I was delighted to volunteer and work with the Trust who welcomed and engaged all of my sports enthusiasts.
I have been involved in the world of Disability Sport for over 30 years. I have had responsibility for Inclusion and Disability Sport in Social Work and Educational settings. I have been a GB Development Officer for Learning Disability Sport and have coached and led disability sports teams and programmes at Local, National and International level. I have been a key member of Games Organising Committees for National and International disability multi-sports events. I have advocated for inclusive sports provision at local and national governmental level and enabled people with disabilities to have their voices heard in the world of policy makers and influence.
I have volunteered extensively in disability sport and in coaching youth basketball and local mini- rugby and I know first hand the value of volunteers and partners in making positive things happen.
What I am particularly passionate about is sport as a force for good in our communities and as a catalyst for change.
The unique culture, values and ideals in rugby lend themselves particularly well to this and the Trust is a living embodiment of that ethos.
I was delighted to be invited to join as a Trustee in 2022 and I hope my experiences and enthusiasm can be of some use to the Trust. I am particularly looking forward to supporting the Trust in their continued community capacity building and I’m really excited for the future.
