Following a rigorous selection process, fourteen candidates have been selected to take part in the third year of UK Sport’s International Leadership Programme (ILP) in 2009.
UK Sport’s final selection was made after National Governing Bodies (NGB’s) were asked to endorse strong candidates who they believe can help them achieve their international goals and raise the UK’s voice in the international governance of sport.
UK Sport’s Head of International Relations, Ben Calveley, explains; “Decisions taken at the international level of sport impact on the UK’s high performance system and the aim of the ILP is to ensure the UK continually develops individuals capable of building strong relationships with International Federations (IF’s) in order to ensure the UK has a say in such decisions”.
As well as structured training modules designed to develop cross cultural competencies, the course will also offer the participants the chance to absorb advice and guidance from high profile guest speakers, well respected mentors and an alumni network. Participants will also have access to IF staff during an international trip to Lausanne.
"British Sport is clearly making progress in performance as the stunning results from Beijing show. However if we are to continue to be serious about success in 2012 and beyond we need to influence strategic decision making in the International sport arena and this will only happen if we have a network of skilled international candidates with suitable leadership skills. This programme devised and managed by UK Sport provides the future International world level sports leaders” David Sparkes, CEO British Swimming
The participants confirmed for the third year of the ILP are:
- Georgina Harland, Pentathlon GB
- John Derbyshire, Royal Yachting Association
- Colin Grahamslaw, Royal Caledonian Curling Club
- Tom Chambers, British Triathlon Federation
- Helen Reeves, British Canoe Union
- Andy Tapley, England Hockey
- Justin Frishberg, GB Wheelchair Rugby
- Katie Brazier, British Swimming
- Jem Lawson, British Triathlon Federation
- Cherry Alexander, UK Athletics
- Peter Hart, Pentathlon GB
- Janice Shardlow, British Equestrian Federation
- Richard Dobell, Volleyball England
- Guin Batten, Amateur Rowing Association
“I am delighted to be part of the International Leadership Programme’s third year,” said Georgina Harland, former Olympic bronze medalist and representative of Pentathlon GB. “As an already established international representative, I hope that ILP will equip me with the tools to better represent Pentathlon GB and gain greater influence within the international federations we work with. I am really looking forward to the start of the programme and the opportunities I will have within it.”
This year’s programme builds upon the lessons learned from years one and two with participants to be offered bespoke guidance to help them achieve their international ambitions and access to an even greater network of international contacts.
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.