An education through sport: David Hemery joins MNO’s squad of columnists
I am grateful for the opportunity to share thoughts, experiences, ideas, opinions and current endeavours.
I moved to Wiltshire at the time of the 1984 Olympics and immediately felt at home here. Just outside Marlborough, we are extremely fortunate that our home overlooks the Downs which are a beautiful and tranquil part of the world and perfect running country for me and riding for my wife V.
Although I’m best known for my 400m hurdles Olympic Gold and Sporting Superstars, my life has been in education.
I trained as a teacher and taught ‘A’ level Economics and Commerce at Millfield School before becoming Head Track Coach and teaching Coaching Ideas and Ideals at Boston University. Then back in the UK and following research on what makes an achiever, I spent twenty-five years running management development workshops for blue chip companies on how to bring the best from yourself and your staff – unlocking potential through effective coaching/facilitation and self-managed leadership.
After we won the right to host the 2012 Olympics, Lord Coe asked me to take some responsibility for a legacy beyond the buildings in London. My thought was, wouldn’t it be great if we taught young people the life skill of coaching and self-managed leadership. With this thought in mind, the educational charity 21st Century Legacy was founded and since September 2011 over 153,000 young people have been engaged in the programme ‘Be the Best you can Be!’
The Programme is advocated by Ofsted which is a strong endorsement and although it is run nationwide, Wiltshire County Council have put some finance into supporting the promotion of the programme in Wiltshire schools.
Whilst this project takes up most of my time, I have been Vice-Chairman of the British Olympic Association for over ten years and hosting the 2012 Olympics is the undoubted highlight. Much has been said about a lack of a sporting legacy from the Games. For many the Games will have had the Wimbledon effect; briefly getting engaged and enthusiastic about more activity and then having this fade. However, I see many positive factors:
- The nationwide introduction of the multi-sport School Games. For the last two years I have attended Wiltshire’s region version, successfully held at Marlborough College
- A powerful change in attitude to disability and increased participation and following of Paralympic sports and the recent Invictus Games
- We will never know how many ten to twelve year olds have set their goals to be in future British Olympic teams
- National morale was lifted and recognition that the UK puts on well organised, strongly supported sporting events
- Lottery money had been retained in sport to assist in hosting other major events, backing potentially high performing individuals, enhancing facilities and coaching
- Health and well-being have been pushed high into British consciousness prioritisation.
No doubt there are a multitude of other positive factors but I hope that these are enough to make us feel proud of hosting a brilliant global spectacle and generating a feel good factor in the people of our special Isles.
I look forward to sharing further thoughts and themes in the months to come.