Blind Paralympic footballer Dave Clark has been appointed chief executive of the British Paralympic Games Association.
Clarke, who competed at Atlanta 1996 in goalball, scored a record 128 goals in 144 matches for England in goalball and will succeed Mike Sharrock when he takes over in mid-March.
The 52-year-old former president, now vice-chairman of the BPA, was a torchbearer at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony and also represented the GP Paralympics in Beijing 2008.
In a statement, he said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, an organization close to my heart. It is an honor to join such an exciting time as we build momentum for Paris 2024 and strive for greater social impact by challenging perceptions and breaking down barriers for all people with disabilities.” in the UK.
“My experience as a Paralympic athlete has shown me the unique power that sport can have to change attitudes and increase the physical and mental well-being of all.”
Clark’s background includes a 24-year career in banking and extensive work in the charitable sector, most recently as Director of Operations at the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
He also served two terms as chairman of the BPA’s Athletes Committee and six years on the organization’s board of directors, where he was, according to a BPA release, “an integral part in the development of BPA’s ambitious 10-year strategic plan.”
BPA President Nick Webburn said: “Dave brings a wealth of experience across sport, business and the charity sector to the British Paralympic Association as we aspire to make a greater impact not only on continued excellence during the Summer and Winter Paralympics but also in society at large.
“He knows the organization well and will start with everything. He is also a clear statement of BPA’s intent to lead from the front on inclusion and diversity, with people with disabilities being appointed to leadership positions based on merit.”
Blind Paralympic footballer Dave Clark has been appointed chief executive of the British Paralympic Games Association.
Clarke, who competed at Atlanta 1996 in goalball, scored a record 128 goals in 144 matches for England in goalball and will succeed Mike Sharrock when he takes over in mid-March.
The 52-year-old former president, now vice-chairman of the BPA, was a torchbearer at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony and also represented the GP Paralympics in Beijing 2008.
In a statement, he said: “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive of the British Paralympic Association, an organization close to my heart. It is an honor to join such an exciting time as we build momentum for Paris 2024 and strive for greater social impact by challenging perceptions and breaking down barriers for all people with disabilities.” in the UK.
“My experience as a Paralympic athlete has shown me the unique power that sport can have to change attitudes and increase the physical and mental well-being of all.”
Clark’s background includes a 24-year career in banking and extensive work in the charitable sector, most recently as Director of Operations at the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
He also served two terms as chairman of the BPA’s Athletes Committee and six years on the organization’s board of directors, where he was, according to a BPA release, “an integral part in the development of BPA’s ambitious 10-year strategic plan.”
BPA President Nick Webburn said: “Dave brings a wealth of experience across sport, business and the charity sector to the British Paralympic Association as we aspire to make a greater impact not only on continued excellence during the Summer and Winter Paralympics but also in society at large.
“He knows the organization well and will start with everything. He is also a clear statement of BPA’s intent to lead from the front on inclusion and diversity, with people with disabilities being appointed to leadership positions based on merit.”
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