UK Sport

ILP welcomes fourth year intake

ILP fourth intake

Related content

UK Sport 29 July 2010

UK Sport launched the fourth year of its International Leadership Programme (ILP) at the Oval Cricket Ground in London last Thursday. Meeting for the first time as a group, the new intake of 14 top British sports administrators was addressed by Sir Craig Reedie CBE, Executive Board Member of the International Olympic Committee, and met several ILP Alumni members who shared their own experiences of taking part in the programme.

Working with National Governing Bodies of Sport and other key Olympic & Paralympic sports organisations, UK Sport seeks to ensure that the UK is able to contribute to the development and governance of international sport via the building of relationships with International Federations and other key international sporting organisations. The ILP forms part of this remit and is designed to equip participants with the skills and networks required to operate successfully on the international stage.

Whilst speaking to the group, Reedie impressed the need for participants to understand every last detail of their sport’s international landscape if they are to influence successfully.

Sir Craig said: “I am delighted to see another new intake joining UK Sport’s ILP. They are certainly an experienced set of individuals and I look forward to working with them in the future. For the UK to truly support international elite sport we must play our part in discussions and decisions at the very highest level.”

Ben Calveley, UK Sport’s Head of International Relations, added: “The ILP works with individuals who can help the UK increase its presence, credibility and influence on the international sporting stage.

“I’m delighted that this year’s ILP group has got off to a good start. This is a tremendously knowledgeable set of individuals and I hope today has helped participants start to form beneficial working relationships with their programme peers and our wider ILP contacts.”

As well as Sir Craig, other speakers at the induction event included Colin Grahamslaw, Chief Executive of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club and the recently appointed Secretary General of the World Curling Federation, and John Steele, Chief Executive of UK Sport. During the day, participants were also given the opportunity to plan for the year ahead.

"Today was a valuable opportunity to meet my fellow participants,” said Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the British Equestrian Federation. "I look forward to working with the group over the course of the year and I am sure the ILP will provide a stimulating environment to help each of us support and drive forward our sports international objectives.”

Launched in 2006, the ILP is part of UK Sport’s commitment to continuous improvement of world class personnel and is one of a number of unique and tailored people development programmes. Now in its fourth year, the ILP will offer a mixture of structured training modules designed to develop cross cultural competencies, along with advice and guidance from high profile guest speakers, well respected mentors and an alumni network.

Participants were selected for the programme after a thorough selection process commenced with nominations from key Olympic & Paralympic sports organisations. Participants on the programme are:

• Adam Pengilly, International Olympic Committee Member
• Andrew Finding, Chief Executive, British Equestrian Federation
• Andy Parkinson, Chief Executive, UK Anti Doping
• Chris Kitchen, Director, British Triathlon Federation
• David Pond, Chief Executive, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby
• Jon Amos, Chair IPC Powerlifting, British Weightlifting
• Jon Napier, ISAF representative, Royal Yachting Association
• Martin Gibbs, Policy and Legal Affairs Director, British Cycling
• Marzena Bogdanowicz, Board Member, Volleyball England
• Mike Etherington-Smith, Chief Executive, British Eventing
• Niels De Vos, Chief Executive, UK Athletics
• Piers Martin, Chief Executive, British Fencing
• Scott Baird, EHF representative, Scottish Hockey
• Tanya Crooks, Chief Operating Officer, Paralympics GB

Find out more about ILP.