I’m absolutely chuffed to announce that I’ve recently been
appointed to the British Wrestling Non-Executive Board of Directors.
Although the sport of wrestling is new to me in every sense
of the word, I am all too familiar with the challenges that minority sports
face year in and year out. Every time an Olympic year comes around, all eyes
are on the home talent, but little attention is given to these athletes after
the closing ceremonies. Little is known about what it takes to perform at an
elite level with the ‘elite’ infrastructure that athletes in other sports are
privy too. Even less is known about the sacrifice that athletes, coaches,
officials and parents make to ensure that the sport is conducted to an international
standard but on a local budget.
During my tenure, my aim is to deliver a marketing strategy
that will drive participation in and awareness of wrestling. I’m not
necessarily looking for quick wins, but rather, a foundation that enables
continued and positive progression.
I’ve only attended one board meeting so far, but since
meeting my new colleagues, I’ve been struck by their passion for the sport, all-hands-on-deck
attitude and genuine desire to see the sport of wrestling grow in this country.
