Today is officially my final day as Chief Executive and I could not have wished for such an extraordinary end to almost twelve years with the sport. It doesn’t feel as if it has been as long and it was never intended to be so but I fell in love with the people and the sport and became hopelessly hooked! Those I have worked with have inspired, challenged, and energised me fuelling my belief and ambition that together we could build great clubs, programmes, and medal winning teams. I am not leaving because I am bored, for I am as passionate today as when I started, but I know it’s time to move on. In Jason Brisbane the board has selected a very special talent who will bring new and fresh ideas and take the sport to the next level. Jason, I wish you every success.
A combination of a gold medal win and leaving something I love means I’m kind of ‘emotioned out’ and can’t quite find the right words to say other than thank you, it has been a real privilege. For those who feel I may have helped or supported them, I am pleased as it is all I ever wanted to do. For those who have found me difficult and whose experience of me has not been a positive one, I apologise and I wish I had done better for you. I have made many friends and I know these will be maintained. I also have many people to thank, in particular: Justin Frishberg, who recruited me when he was Chair – I am hugely grateful for the opportunity he gave me. Richard Allcroft, who from the beginning spent ages teaching me about the game, its people, about disability, and so many other things – not least how to drink red wine without ever opening his wallet! Mike Spence, who supported me and gave me the confidence to carry on when things for a while became pretty tough. Archie Palmer, for his support, honesty, and insight which helped me more than he probably realised. Martyn Salt who taught me about events and much more, and for the advice of so many other wheelchair rugby legends… Bob O’Shea, Andy Barrow, Paul Jenkins, James Price, Keith Jones, Rob Tarr, Darren Mathews, to mention a few, and further afield, James Gumbert, Mandy Goff, Brad Dubberley… thank you all. The sport exists because of the many volunteers who make it happen thanks to all of you out there. Thank you also to the staff – those who work for GBWR today and those who have moved on. It’s been a real pleasure to see the successful careers of those who once were with us – James Thomas our first National Development Director and now Head of Performance British Gymnastics, Kirsty Clark another former NDD and now with the Activity Alliance, having been the first Head of Sport for Stonewall, Lorraine Brown, former Performance Director now doing the same role with British Mountaineering. I have a special thank you for Daniel Hook who I recruited some ten years ago. He has been an exceptional assistant in every way, never have I worked with someone so effective at what he does, so trustworthy, and so loyal. And for Lee Stutely she is just an extraordinary woman who has been the beating heart of the sport throughout my time. Thank you.
Thank you also to all the partners who I have worked with, the fundraisers, the sponsors, and the donors and to everyone at UK Sport and Sport England. And a special thank you to all of those who have been Board colleagues over the years especially Kevin Aitchison my mentor and to Ed Warner more recently. You all gave me my ‘head’, supported and challenged me but never meddled – no CEO could ask for more. More importantly you have been there for me during some very bumpy times. I am grateful that you trusted and believed in me. Finally thank you Paul Shaw – the most thoughtful, principled, and loyal friend, colleague, and coach and the GB gold medal team who has delivered the best leaving present I could have possibly wished for. A toast to you all!
David Pond
