Trigger Warning: This episode discusses issues with mental health,  racism, intergenerational trauma and anti-blackness. 

Despite a handful of UK sports initiatives being introduced to increase diversity in the leadership of sports organisations, there still has been a lack of  success and medalists from underrepresented groups. 

Diversity in leadership is an essential part of this change and ensuring that opportunities will be increased for underrepresented groups 

Podcast host Naomi chats with Geoff Thompson MBE, Chair of the London Youth Games and Deputy Chair of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Listen as they explore Geoff's background as a child of immigrants from Guyana and Barbados to a former five times world karate champion and his intro into his career in sports administration.  Connect with us as Geoff talks about the power of sports and sports provides common a purpose of ambition where all different backgrounds, identities, beliefs, and lifestyles, can be unified together. In addition with the added purpose which can aid with mental, physical, emotional health and well being. Additionally we look forward to what new, and inspiring legacies are being created today in the rich and intricate story of British Athletes and sports. 
 
About our guest:

Prof. Geoff Thompson, MBE, FRSA, DL 

Geoff Thompson has a 35-year track record in the social and human development of young people and communities. As a former five times world karate champion, sports administrator and politician, he has realised a unique range of skill sets that have seen him advise, develop and deliver social and human project and programme initiatives globally. Geoff has also undertaken a number of public and private sector appointments developing and contributing to equity, diversity and inclusion at all levels of society.

He is the Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter, a UK-based international charity and United Nations NGO that uses the ethics of sport, arts, cultural and digital activities to tackle the problems of educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and crime in some of the most troubled areas around the world. Geoff is also a Board Member of the London Legacy Development Corporation an Advisory Board Member of the Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville, USA, Advisor to the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation and was Chair of the Board of Governors at the University of East London for two years. Geoff is Chair of the Operational Board of the Professional Footballers’ Association, Deputy Chair of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Chair of the London Youth Games.

Links Geoff mentioned:
https://www.youthcharter.org/

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