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Our National Youth Board Vice-Chair, Katherine, recently attended our 20^th Anniversary Gala dinner alongside our partners, supporters and beneficiaries. 

In the below article, Katherine shares her experiences after attending the gala and explores the importance of celebrating the last two decades of our impact on young lives.

Article by Katherine Cleary

Attending Access Sport's 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner was a true privilege. The event beautifully celebrated two decades of impactful work, bringing together staff, supporters, athletes, and community club representatives. The stunning venue and inspiring speakers made for an unforgettable evening.

Olympic and Paralympic Insights

A highlight was the panel discussion featuring Olympians and Paralympians Lola Anderson, Dimitri Coutya, Tess Howard, and Alice Dearing. Their journey from community sports clubs to elite competition showcased the role clubs play in shaping young athletes, regardless of whether they reach the pinnacle of their sport.

Tess Howard's advocacy for inclusivity particularly resonated with me. Her successful campaign to allow the British women's hockey team to choose between shorts and skirts demonstrates the power of addressing barriers, like body image concerns and the impact national teams can have on inspiring inclusivity across grassroots participation.

COG: Empowering Youth Through Cycling

Dave Sparks, head of the COG cycling club, shared his inspiring story of establishing a thriving community hub with Access Sport's support. His dedication to providing opportunities for over 100 young people weekly exemplifies the transformative power of the Changing Sports programme.

Reaching the “Hard to Reach”

Dave Clarke OBE, former Paralympian and CEO of Paralympics GB, delivered a powerful message about the importance of reaching those often labelled "hard to reach." His personal experience highlighted the importance of Access Sport's mission, a mission generously supported by the over £80,000 raised during the evening.

The dinner was not just a celebration but a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible sport and the continued need to support Access Sport to foster inclusivity for young people.

I wanted to extend a massive thank you to Access Sport for inviting me to this momentous occasion and I’m sure, working alongside the National Youth Board, we can continue to affect real change for disabled and disadvantaged young people nationwide.

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