Activity Alliance announces new Chair
Activity Alliance is delighted to announce Sam Orde will take over as the charity’s Chair formally from 11 October. The new appointment comes as Charles Reed retires as our Chair following seven years at the helm.
Chair for Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) for eight years, Sam brings with her a wealth of skills and experience. Former event rider Sam is an experienced coach for the RDA. She has worked tirelessly to transform opportunities for riders and drivers at a national and regional level. This includes developing the first full-time Centre of Excellence for disabled people’s riding in Northumberland, and RDA UK’s National Training Centre Project which is currently under construction.
On her appointment, Sam said:
“I am delighted to be joining Activity Alliance as Chair and excited to take forward the charity’s new strategy for growth. I am passionate about disabled people enjoying an active lifestyle and benefitting from more opportunities. I am looking forward to working with the team and partners to make active lives possible.”
Ed Bracher, Chief Executive RDA UK, said:
“Sam has been a brilliant Chair of RDA, helping us expand our activities and our reach and combining sound leadership with an energetic enthusiasm for disability sport. I am delighted that she will be able to continue to put this passion to good use as Chair of Activity Alliance and look forward to continuing to work with her as one of their partners.”
Since its founding in 1998 as the English Federation of Disability Sport, Activity Alliance has become the go-to organisation for engaging disabled people’s in sport and active recreation. Sam will lead the organisation into a new era of innovation and growth.
For the last 20 years English Federation of Disability Sport, now Activity Alliance, has been an integral part of the sport and activity landscape. The organisation has increased its annual operating budget from £1million to £3million in the past five years, established a vibrant new corporate identity and exceeded Code for Sports Governance requirements.
Phil Friend, Activity Alliance Senior Independent Director and Chair of the Nominations Committee, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Sam into our family, to lead our Board. After a tough recruitment process, the Nominations Committee were unanimous in their desire to recommend Sam to board for appointment as our next Chair. Sam’s significant experience will greatly enhance Activity Alliance and help us with our ambitions to grow.”
On the outgoing Chair, Charles Reed, Friend said:
“Charles has helped the charity be at the forefront of supporting disabled people to be active for life and we will miss him. We are forever indebted for his passion and commitment to the cause and us. We know that Charles will remain part of our future as much as our past. It has been a real privilege to have known and worked with him.”
