Following an intensive selection process, fourteen candidates have been invited to join year five of UK Sport’s International Leadership Programme (ILP).
Final selection decisions were made after National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and partner organisations had nominated suitable candidates for the programme as they continue to increase their profile, reputation and influence on the international stage.
Alex Proctor-Pearson, UK Sport’s International Relations Adviser and ILP programme manager, said: “The programme provides a unique opportunity for a group of high calibre representatives from a broad range of NGBs and partner organisations from the UK sporting landscape to develop the awareness, knowledge and skill set required for working effectively in internationally elite sport.”
The vastly experienced set of participants includes prominent leaders of both Olympic and Paralympic sports (summer and winter) who aspire to lead their sport and become successful UK representatives.
The participants on this year’s programme are:
- Mark Abberley, Chief Executive of Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE)
- Richard Batt, RYA - Chairman of International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Equipment Committee
- Amanda Bond, Chief Executive, British Dressage
- Ian Braid, Non-Executive Board Director, British Triathlon Federation (BTF)
- David Chugg, Team Manager, Disability Snowsport UK
- Bruce Crawford, Chief Executive, Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC)
- Keith Horton, Chief Executive, National Ice Skating Association (NISA)
- Zara Hyde Peters, Chief Executive, British Triathlon Federation (BTF)
- John Mills, Coaching, Education & Development Director, British Cycling
- Martin Reddin, Director Technical & Education, British Gymnastics
- Nicole Sapstead, Director of Operations, United Kingdom Anti-Doping (UKAD)
- Malcolm Tarkenter, Chairman, Great Britain Wheelchair Basketball Association (GBWBA)
- Adrian Tranter, Chairman, British Taekwondo Control Board (BTCB)
- Bryn Vaile, President, British Bob-Skeleton Association (BBSA)
Dr Sarah Springman OBE, President of British Triathlon, which has two delegates on this year’s programme, said: “On behalf of our organisation, I wish them both success over the coming year and congratulate them for being considered world class delegates by UK Sport. With three successful graduates already, we can expect even greater things from our new nominees.
“British Triathlon is hugely impressed with the International Leadership Programme and has taken every advantage of this valuable opportunity to improve our ability to contribute at all levels of governance internationally. In the future, I hope that many more nominees from British Triathlon can participate in, contribute to and learn from the UK Sport programme and achieve their personal triathlon challenges.”
Keith Horton, Chief Executive of NISA, said: “It was an honour to be nominated and selected for the UK Sport ILP. I am looking forward to taking full advantage of the training on offer, in order to build on my knowledge of what it takes to be a successful and inspirational international leader.”
This year’s programme will build on the proven success of the ILP to date and offer structured training modules designed to develop the knowledge and cross cultural competencies of participants, including sessions focusing on multi-cultural working, the operating environment of international sport and negotiation/influencing techniques. The course will also provide participants with advice and guidance from high profile guest speakers, respected mentors and an ever-growing alumni network.
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.