On Tuesday, 15th October, some of the WGC Foundation team attended the 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, held at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Tom Coppin, CEO, and Sheena Birch, trustee, represented the foundation.
The event provided a fantastic platform to celebrate the vital role of grassroots sport and recreation, fostering discussions on how we, as an industry, can continue to support and promote the sector’s growth. The AGM brought together key figures from across the sport and recreation world, facilitating networking, idea-sharing, and conversations around protecting and advocating for the interests of grassroots organisations.
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh led the formalities of the AGM, with his usual wit and humour. Other key highlights from the day included inspiring speeches from the Alliance leadership, contributions from Divisional Chairs, and recognition of two exceptional award winners, whose dedication and impact on the sport and recreation sector left many, including Tom and Sheena, thoroughly impressed.
The importance of events like this cannot be understated. Attending and actively participating in such events reinforces our commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives, especially through the work of the Foundation. By fostering stronger partnerships and building on the shared vision of making sport and recreation accessible to all, we hope to contribute to lasting, sustainable community development across the UK.
In his remarks, Tom noted: “The AGM was an inspiring day that highlighted not just the impact of sport and recreation on individual lives, but also the power it holds in bringing communities together. It was wonderful to see how the WGC Foundation’s mission aligns with the broader goals of the Sport and Recreation Alliance. We are excited about the future of grassroots initiatives and the role we can play in driving them forward.”
Sheena Birch echoed this sentiment, adding: “It was a privilege to attend the AGM and connect with so many like-minded individuals and organisations. The discussions around building sustainable, inclusive pathways for sport and recreation align perfectly with the WGC Foundation’s goals. It was a day full of inspiration and hope for the future of our communities.”
We would like to extend our gratitude to the Sport and Recreation Alliance for hosting such an engaging event and providing a space for valuable conversations. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with partners across the sector to help more people from all backgrounds experience the benefits of sport and recreation.