Chris Turner appointed as WheelPower National Sports Director
WheelPower is delighted to announce that Chris Turner will take up the key role of National Sports Director. Chris will head up WheelPower’s sports department and work with external partners for disabled people to play sport.
In this strategic position for the national charity of wheelchair sport, Chris will be based at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the Paralympic movement as well as working from his home in Stafford.
Chris will manage and develop the Sport England funded delivery plan which aims to ensure National Governing Bodies of Sports, disabled people's organisations and the health sector are connected into WheelPower’s activities as well as supporting National Governing Bodies to develop grass roots opportunities within their sport.
Some 38,000 disabled people per year already train or take part in an event at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, many more participate in wheelchair sport all over the country. The aim to increase engagement and increase participation rates will be at the heart of Chris’ priorities.
Chris will bring a multitude of expertise and experience to the role having worked in the sports development sector for 15 years including working for two national governing bodies of sport, two county sports partnerships and a sport & leisure consultancy.
His latest role working for Archery GB as a National Development Manager for young people involved leading the development of the organisation's disability strategy.
Chris said:
“I cannot wait to get started in the role and really make a difference to transforming and enhancing people’s lives by increasing the opportunities available for more disabled people to participate and engage in sport.”
Chief Executive Martin McElhatton said:
“WheelPower are delighted to welcome Chris to the team. The role of National Sports Director will have direct influence within the sports sector and is vital in helping improve and increase sports and physical activity opportunities to transform lives.
Chris has vast experience and a depth of knowledge and skills for the position and we look forward to seeing his work make an impact on our sports programmes and connections with external partners.”
