Athlete Media Group

find your inspiration

AMG Proud to Support Launch of Tackling Matters

by

The event, hosted by humanitarian organisation Tackling Matters, will take place on Friday 18 April at the illustrious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and will bring together amputee football teams from across Ukraine, England and Scotland for a festival of football.

The tournament will see teams competing throughout the day on a pitch and grandstands specially erected for the occasion in the shadow of the New College building. Following the tournament, the pitch will be dismantled and shipped to Ukraine, where it will be reassembled to provide communities afflicted by war with a space for recreation and respite.

Sports marketing agency AMG will support Tackling Matters in their inspiring work by amplifying the content produced, help with their sponsorship efforts & harness their considerable network to maximise fundraising efforts.

Tackling Matters was set up in January 2025, to support, rebuild and empower communities and individuals around the world affected by war or disaster, through the provision of sports pitches, equipment and rehabilitation units offering physical and psychological support. Those it supports include those who have been left injured, homeless, orphaned or internally displaced.

The charity launch is a progression of the humanitarian work undertaken by founder Liam Sullivan, who, has completed 12 trips to Ukraine since the start of the war and delivered more than 5,000 donations of football kit, sports equipment, vehicles and medical supplies sourced from within the UK. Over 500 sports facilities in Ukraine, including 77 football stadia, have been partially or completely destroyed due to the Russian invasion (National Olympic Committee). Liam has facilitated the construction of five small sided football pitches in different regions of the country, boosting morale and providing vital spaces for physical rehabilitation and recreation.

Working in partnership with Football for Life, the amputee football tournament will mark the official launch of Tackling Matters, and will host Ukrainian teams including Shakhtar, Lviv, FC UCSA, Unbroken (Ukraine’s National Rehabilitation Centre), plus UK-based teams including Arsenal, Brighton, Scotland and a team from BLESMA, the military charity for limbless veterans. More than 120 amputee footballers are expected to participate. Guinness World Records will be in attendance and a record attempt will take place.

The Ukrainian Health Ministry reports that, since the start of the war, at least 50,000 Ukrainians have lost limbs, including both soldiers and civilians. Many amputees will need prosthetics, others will use wheelchairs, but obtaining adequate prosthetic limbs and care is difficult inside Ukraine. Tackling Matters aims to provide not only practical and physical support through pitches and pop up rehabilitation units, but psychological support too.

On the tournament and the charity’s vision, Sullivan commented: “Tackling Matters is about rebuilding and empowering communities through sport so that victims of war or disaster can again enjoy the sense of purpose and camaraderie that only sport can bring.

“The tournament will be an occasion to foster friendship and unity between nations, while raising essential funds to return sports facilities to Ukraine.

“The pitches we provide to these regions are not just fields of play – they are arenas of healing, where these incredible warriors rediscover their courage and capacity to thrive. We would encourage people to come along and support these incredible players in action and enjoy a great day out.”

Andrii Kuzmenko, of Kyiv in Ukraine, lost his arm while serving as a soldier in the conflict. Having taken up amputee football, training on one of the pitches laid by Tackling Matters, he commented: “So much is being destroyed in my country, but sport has the ability to make something positive out of a life tragedy, and to bring people together regardless of the circumstances.”

Due to security at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, attendance must be registered prior to the event. More information/ donations at https://tackling-matters-amputee-football-tournament.raiselysite.com/ or by scanning the QR code below.

Ends

Pictures show:

  • Andrii Kuzmenjo, arm amputee and footballer who will travel to England to attend the tournament at Sandhurst.
  • Amputee footballers from Scotland who will also attend the tournament at Sandhurst.

Notes to Editors:

  • Media information: For photography/interview or to register your attendance on the day, please contact Ashley Pedersen at Tackling Matters on 07885 262341 / ashley@tacklingmatters.org
  • As of October 2024, an estimated 3.6 million people remain internally displaced in Ukraine. This is while 4.3 million people who were previously displaced have returned home. (IOM GPS R18)
  • Over 500 sports facilities in Ukraine, including 77 football stadia, have been partially or completely destroyed due to the Russian invasion. (National Olympic Committee)
  • Russia’s war on Ukraine has caused £170bn in infrastructure damage to Ukraine including the destruction of sports facilities, hospitals and education institutions. (Kyiv School of Economics 2025)

DATE: 18 April 2025

TIME: First match KO 09:00 AM

LOCATION: Sandhurst Royal Military Academy (New College)

“With a lot of hard work I can be right up at the top of long distance triathlon racing.” CAMERON MAIN

by

Why the change to long-form tri?

The main reason for changing to long form triathlon is because I don’t fully feel supported by British Triathlon. Throughout my whole short course career I have felt left in the dark by British Triathlon because of poor communication when it comes to the World Class Programme and selection policies, lack of respect and limited ability to treat athletes fairly and as equals. 
The sad news that there is no triathlon in the Commie Games in 2026 and the uncertainty of the Games moving forward in the future. The Commie Games is the only chance I get to represent Scotland, without this driving factor, it is challenging for me to find the motivation to stay in the short course game.
Lack of commercial awareness that short course have compared to long course. Ironman Tri have over 1.2 million followers on Instagram compared to the 400k that World Triathlon have. The exposure you get for winning a professional Ironman event compared to a World Triathlon event is significantly more. Moreover, I believe the governance/organisation of Ironman Tri is at a much higher level than World Triathlon, making race experiences much more enjoyable.
Image credit: Ironman Triathlon

Why now in 2025?

From a financial perspective, I have never been a British-funded athlete and don’t have any sponsorships. Making the change to long course triathlon is the only financially sustainable way of staying in the sport I love.
Finally, I am 25 years old now, my motivation has changed and I want a new challenge. I truly believe with a lot of hard work I can be right up at the top of long distance racing over the next 10-15 years and I am excited to learn and develop in a slightly different sport.
Image credit: Ironman Triathlon

What excites you about the move?

I am really looking forward to racing in some new locations, a lot of the Ironman events are held in unique parts of the world and I can’t wait to experience these events.  The prize money at a lot of long distance races is very good, this boosts my motivation, because at the end of the day you need money to travel to races, buy new kit and put food on the table.  The opportunity to create a great network of friends, sponsorships and other business related relationships. The Ironman Tri community is huge and it’s something I am very excited to be part of.
Image credit: Ironman Triathlon

What will you miss about short-form tri?

The chance to become an Olympian. This was the one key driving factor for staying in short course racing, it’s the one thing I have dreamt of as a kid and has been a very difficult thing to leave behind.  The tactical fast pace nature of racing, it was very exciting and would always get me pumped for a race!

What are your targets for long-form tri?

My targets are to be a consistent athlete on the podium at Professional Ironman 70.3 and Ironman events.  I would also love to get a T100 contract at some point in the near future, I love what T100 is doing and it’s very exciting to watch.  Become a World Champion at either the Ironman 70.3 Champs or Ironman Champs (Kona would be the dream).
Image credit: Ironman Triathlon

Who are the long-form triathletes (male & female) you look up to & want to chase down!

I love what Sam Laidlow has been doing and how he races. He makes racing exciting to watch and it’s very impressive what he is able to do on the bike. The driving factor for a lot of my training sessions on the bike is to close the gap to people like Sam, because that’s the level you have to be at.
Kat Matthews also really impresses me with the way she is able to consistently race at the top of her game. She has shown that with a supportive team around you you can probably push your race season more than you think! 

What are the brands you admire & would be keen to work for?

There are so many good brands out there but some of my favourite are:
HUUB (there amazing innovation skills when it comes to aerodynamics and wetsuit comfort/speed)
Cervelo and Canyon (they both have very nice looking bikes/kit and I really like the way they work with their athletes)
ASICS (some of the best shoes I have ran in, they keep things simple and comfortable and that’s what matters most)
EKOI (They seem like a great brand with some impressive science driven equipment)
SIS (Nutrition I have always found works for me. Taste is also very important and I feel SIS have this perfected)

Any predictions for 2025?!

A successful first year as a long distance athlete with a few podiums along the way. I am confident that I will qualify for Marbella (Spain) 70.3 World Champs in November and possibly qualify for Kona World Ironman Championships next year at my first full distance Ironman in December in Busselton (Australia).
 I am also hoping to start working more closely with some brands through some successful results early in the season.

Will you still continue your running business alongside long-form?

I am definitely going to be continuing my work with Kinetic Coaching, predominantly focusing on the Online Triathlon coaching section. I am hoping by racing long course events my business will receive more exposure to the right audience, which will allow me to help and coach more people to achieve their goals.  https://kineticcoaching.co.uk

Can you give us an update on your amazing Abbie’s Sparkles cancer charity?

Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation is continuing to grow and develop as we continue to hold fundraising events and raise thousands of pounds for children who are affected by cancer. Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation is getting very close to raising 1 million pounds since the charity was founded back in 2017, after Abbie, my sister, passed away. This is an incredible amount of money that I’m sure Abbie would be very happy about. http://abbiessparklefoundation.org

“The deteriorating state of UK rivers is a significant concern for rowers.” Cam Nyland, GB Rower

by

  1. When did you know that rowing was your sport?
    I started rowing at 12, but a serious back injury at 15 confirmed my commitment, making me realize I’d sacrifice everything for it.
  2. What was your first club, and how did they support you?
    Warrington Rowing Club encouraged my development, giving me training opportunities with older, faster teammates and eventually assigning a dedicated coach to pursue my GB goals.
  3. Was there any significant influence that guided you?
    Training alongside driven, skilled teammates inspired me. I wanted the same success and pushed myself to match or even exceed their achievements.
  4. What is life like as a rower for The Leander Club?
    Leander life is intense: full-time training with 2-3 sessions daily, balancing part-time work around rowing. It’s all-consuming but deeply rewarding.
  5. When did Olympic ambitions start?
    Seeing Leander teammates I trained with achieve Olympic success fuelled my Olympic dreams, showing me the potential to reach the highest level.
  6. What is your daily routine?
    I wake up by 6am, train three times a day with meals and rest between sessions, then fit in work. Bedtime is 9pm.
  7. Did you feel that you missed out on your social life?
    Sacrifices are inevitable, but Leander’s team culture means we connect differently; sharing dinners, coffee, and downtime in place of late-night partying.
  8. What is your routine as a professional rower?
    I wake early, eat, stretch, and prepare for the day’s sessions. Coffee after morning training is a simple, cherished wintertime treat.
    I aim for 3,000–4,000 calories daily, I focus on carbs, protein, and high-calorie snacks to support intense training and energy demands.
  9. Rowing has always been seen as a sport for the elite; what was your experience coming from your background?
    Northern clubs lack exposure, so I travelled to southern competitions to improve, gain recognition, and compete with the sport’s top athletes
  10. Is river pollution a problem?                                                                                                                                                                                             The deteriorating state of UK rivers is a significant concern for rowers, who face health risks from infections and potential boat damage due to litter. Alarmingly, in my youth I once discovered a body in the water!! I am determined to help build awareness of this terrible pollution of our waterways.

Olympians & World-Class Athletes Unite to End Gender-Based Violence

by

Monday November 25th, is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

On this global day of action, hundreds of Olympians and world-class athletes, including tennis star Coco Gauff, have united to launch 1in3, a global movement to end gender-based violence.

The initiative aims to raise awareness, demand action, and honour the lives of female athletes lost to violence. Born from heartbreak, 1in3 was created after the brutal murder of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei. Cheptegei, who after placing 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, returned home and was doused in petrol and set on fire by her former partner in front of her children.

She is the third female athlete in Kenya since 2021 to suffer a violent death at the hands of an intimate partner. Agnes Tirop and Damaris Muthee also lost their lives to domestic violence in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Despite public outcry, justice has yet to be served, highlighting a systemic failure to protect female athletes.

According to the United Nations, one in three women worldwide experiences violence, and every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by an intimate partner. These devastating statistics underscore the need for urgent action. Through its partnerships and athlete-led voices, 1in3 aims to drive meaningful change and reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence globally.

Joan Chelimo, Kenyan Runner, friend of Agnes Tirop, and Co-Founder of Tirop’s Angels, said: “Rebecca’s murder is a stark reminder that women, even those who have achieved incredible things on the world stage, are not immune to the dangers of gender-based violence. Rebecca reported the abuse, yet no action was taken—this is unacceptable.   It’s time for our leaders to prioritise the safety of women and children, and to confront the harmful beliefs that perpetuate this violence. As athletes, we must use our voices not just to honour those we’ve lost, like Rebecca, but to demand change for all women. People should not fear for their lives because they dare to live independently, to be fulfilled and free.”

World Number 3-ranked tennis player Coco Gauff, who won the season-ending WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, said: “As an athlete, I truly believe sport has been and continues to be a way to reach the masses and promote positive influences throughout our world. The 1in3 movement unites us to advocate for change for all women and girls everywhere.”

While the root causes of gender-based violence are nuanced and complex, research suggests that certain interventions, such as mass media campaigns and community-based programs, can contribute to effective prevention and mitigation. Athletes, with their unique social influence, can play a valuable role in amplifying these efforts and promoting positive social change.

The first phase of the 1in3 movement begins with a mass media campaign in Uganda, launched today. In collaboration with Reach a Hand Uganda and the Ugandan Athletes’ Commission, this campaign leverages athletes’ voices to challenge harmful attitudes and inspire change. 1in3 will expand globally in 2025 with campaigns tailored to local contexts, using the momentum to create safer environments for women and drive legislative reforms.

To ensure the movement’s success, an Athlete Council has been formed, featuring prominent athletes and experts in gender-based violence from a range of disciplines and regions around the world. A member of the council, Marcus Daniell, ATP Tennis Professional, Co-Founder of High Impact Athletes, and IOC Athletes’ Commission Member, said: “This movement is about athletes and Olympians coming together to use our platforms for good. By partnering with charities on the front lines, we can make a tangible impact and honour the lives of Rebecca, Agnes, and Damaris. It’s time for all of us to step up.”

To join the movement, visit 1in3.org and learn more about how to get involved.

Levelling the playing field in equestrian sports – Lydia Heywood & Zara Murray

by

What fantastic teamwork & collaboration between Lydia Heywood & Zara Murad in the Midlands in November 2024.

    

“It is undeniable that introducing relatable riders to young people at city riding schools increases confidence and self belief. Equestrian sport lacks diversity in England so showcasing talent like Zara Murad Griffiss creates an enormously positive impact.

The down to earth manor in which Zara engaged with Summerfield riders at Solihull Riding Club was heartwarming to witness.

Aspiring riders practised a specific test in the run up to our Dressage competition element, the winner scored an impressive 73%, received a Cool Ridings saddle pad and will have their next competition funded.

Equestrian sport is complex requiring resources and a passionate team. Hosting an open and honest Q&A enabled questions to be asked without fear of judgement, everyone learnt lots and will be cheering on Zara’s Dressage journey to represent Iraq on the world stage.

Lydia Heywood, equestrian rider representing Jamaica, living & competing in GB

“When I found out what Lydia was doing with Cool Ridings I said to her I would love to play my part in the wonderful work that she’s doing. I think it’s so important to push diversity in our sport and groups like Cool Ridings shows it can be done.

As the only dressage rider for Iraq I wanted to put on this demonstration to show people it can happen and encourage other riders to get out there and give it a go! Awareness is the first key to chance. So with events like this I really hope it can make a difference.”

Zara Murad, aiming to become Iraq’s first Olympic dressage rider in LA2028

Be the change & follow both riders as they chase their Olympic dreams!

#sport #equestrian #dressage #athletes #diversity #inclusion #equality #coolridings #speakers #rolemodels #bethechange #BeMore

Trailblazing Brit Adriana Brownlee makes history as the youngest ever female climber to summit the world’s tallest mountains

by

23-year-old mountaineer Adriana Brownlee has officially become the youngest ever female mountaineer to summit the fourteen 8000m peaks when she topped out on Shishapangma (8027m) on 9th October at 08:01.

Adriana and her team are now safely off the mountain and in Tibet recovering from the climb.

The last climb wasn’t without it’s challenges with Adriana and her team temporarily losing the rope that had been fixed a few days before by the previous summit team and battling nausea on the final climb.

The final push was an emotional one. Adriana said: “I started to cry. I hadn’t reached the summit yet, I couldn’t even see it, but I knew it was going to happen.

“It took another hour before we reached the incredible summit. By this time it was just sunrise and we had a beautiful clear sky.

“It was the most incredible moment. I cried again remembering that I had just summited all 14 8000m peaks and made history.”

The summit also makes Adriana the second official British climber to summit all fourteen peaks (and first female). Adriana adds; “British explorers have always been breaking boundaries. I’m proud to set another world first and keep that tradition alive.’’

“I have always had a love and fascination with mountains for as long as I can remember.”

Adriana’s love of the mountains was clear from a young age, with her even handing in a primary school piece of homework saying that her dream was to ‘be famous for climbing the highest mountain in the world’, adding ‘I have always liked mountains and especially high ones’.

Her passion for the outdoors was fuelled further when she completed the three peaks (Snowden, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis) in just 22 hours at the age of 8 with her father, Tony.

However, it was 31st May 2021, at the age of 20, when she fulfilled her childhood dream of summitting Mt Everest – setting in motion the journey to her record breaking achievement to be the youngest woman to climb the fourteen 8000m peaks.

Over the following three years, Adriana continued to set world firsts as she summited peak after peak – breaking two further records along the way including the youngest female in the world to summit K2 and the youngest person to summit Gasherbrum 1 without supplementary Oxygen.

For her last climb, Adriana wanted to summit without the use of oxygen – making it an even tougher challenge.

Adriana added; “It’s all about intrinsic motivation for me and wanting to push my body and achieve my personal goals. Mountaineering is my escape in life, it makes me feel free and truly connected with myself so it becomes an obsession to go back.’’

“I hope to inspire youngsters all over the world that there is no set path in life. You can create your own destiny and journey which can be totally unique to you if that’s what makes you happy.

“I quit university and my degree to pursue a career in mountaineering and sacrificed friendships, regular teenage life and more, but it was all worth it.”

Having achieved the ultimate goal in mountaineering, what is left for Adriana to achieve? She replied; “I will stay in the mountains, but now want to help others achieve their dream by creating a new generation of high altitude mountaineering and trekking experiences which focuses on safety and clients’ past experiences.”

To find out more about Adriana and her achievements, visit @Adri.brownlee on Instagram.

Adriana Brownlee summits:

Everest                   8849m                    June 2021

Manaslu                8163m                    Sept 2021

Dhaulagiri            8167m                    Oct 2021

Annapurna          8091m                    April 2022

Kanchenjunga     8586m                    May 2022

Lhotse                    8516m                    May 2022

Makalu                  8485m                    May 2022

Nanga Parbat    8126m                    June 2022

Broad Peak          8051m                    July 2022

K2                          8611m                    July 2022

Gasherbrum II  8034m                    July 2023

Gasherbrum I    8080m                    July 2023               (no O2)

Cho You                 8201m                    Oct 2023

Shishapangma 8027m                    Oct 2024                (No O2)

East London Sport seeks sponsorship for ‘Sport In Your Futures’ Programme

by

East London Sport is actively seeking sponsorship for its ‘Sport In Your Futures’ (SIYF) programme, which launched in 2019. Based at SportsDock on UEL’s Docklands campus, SIYF provides primary school children from Newham with opportunities to engage in a variety of sports. Over 5,000 children from more than 30 schools have participated, with 80% continuing to play sports a year later.

Image credit: Sophie Mitchell Images

The programme exposes children to activities they might not encounter in typical school PE lessons, such as skateboarding, breakdancing, basketball, and indoor cricket. Delivered by skilled coaches and community partners, the sports are offered in a high-quality, inspiring environment.

“The children are truly inspired by the coaches and athletes they meet,” says Kevine Kinzonzi, the programme lead. SportsDock itself has hosted elite teams, including Team USA basketball during the 2012 London Olympics, and more recently, Germany’s basketball squads ahead of the Paris Olympics.

A key aspect of SIYF is its connection to UEL’s sports scholars, who share their journeys in sport and education with the children. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, such as Christine Ohuruogu and Kylie Grimes, have also met with the children, adding to the experience. For some, it’s their first time seeing professional athletes or attending live competitive sports, with SIYF offering access to British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) fixtures for real match-day experiences. The programme also allows pupils to explore the British Olympic Foundation’s archives at UEL, learning about Olympic values and legacy.

Image credit: Sophie Mitchell Images

Hilary Lissenden, East London Sport’s Assistant COO, describes SIYF as “a gold-dust opportunity” for sponsors. She emphasizes how the programme enhances the health, well-being, and aspirations of children, particularly those from under-represented backgrounds. “We’re excited to work with potential sponsors to expand SIYF and inspire another 1,500 children over the next year,” she adds.

Image credit: Sophie Mitchell Images

PE teacher Rob from Sir John Herron Primary School remarked, “Today opened the children’s eyes to future careers and higher education.”

Sunny Hunjan of Kensington Primary School noted, “It was great to see the girls trying new sports, and their smiles showed how much they enjoyed it.”

https://www.uel.ac.uk/sport-your-futures

https://youtu.be/HcqgQiotgWY?si=r7b4HimFYff91uaW 

 

Paralympics GB Superstar Charlotte Henshaw MBE PLY Reflects On Double Gold at Paris 2024

by

1. Describe your Paris 2024 experience in 3 words.
Biggest achievement yet!

2. ⁠How did Paris 2024 compare to your 4 other PLY Games?
It was my first Games as a canoeist where crowds were there & the atmosphere at the course was just spine tingling! It’s also the first time I’ve been able to compete for two medals so it felt very special & I was grateful for the opportunity to do that.

Image Credit: Paralympics GB / Sam Hellish

3. ⁠How was your preparation for Paris 2024? Were you in good health?
I had an elbow surgery in sept 2023 which delayed the start of my season but with careful rehab and progression I was able to build into some of the best shape of my life leading into the 2024 summer! Massive thanks to our physio and coaching team for such great rehab!

4. ⁠What was the atmosphere in the Paralympic village like?
I love being in the village. The multi-sport environment, feeling like you’re part of something bigger than just your sport, the food hall, meeting athletes from all over the world – I love it all. It’s one of my favourite parts of being at a Paralympics. It’s also incredibly cool to see people with disabilities from all over the world come together into an environment which caters for them and see how things can work and how people flourish. If only all life could be like that…

5. ⁠Pls can you briefly explain the para canoe disciplines you raced in
Kayak is a boat paddled by a double ended blade. Both Olympic and Paralympic kayaking is the same – with para boats being slightly more stable than the Olympic counterparts. The vaa is paddled with a single blade & is an ancient Polynesian craft which was traditionally a sea vessel but now is also raced as the para version of a high kneeling canoe boat. They both require different skills to make them go fast! It’s a real challenge combining both boats.

6. ⁠How did you perform?!
I won gold in VL3 and KL2 – both in Paralympic best times! But more than that I really pleased with how I executed my race plan. I wanted to come out of the games being proud of my deliveries, regardless of the result and I don’t think I could have done more.

Image Credit: Imagecomms

7. ⁠What are the emotions when you win not just one but two gold PLY medals?!
I still don’t think I’ve fully processed the achievement if I’m honest. Joy. Disbelief. All the emotions! When I knew I had the opportunity to double up in Paris the ultimate dream was to win both but I knew I’d have tough opposition and that Paracanoe is incredibly competitive. To achieve that feat was a true team effort & massive thanks have to go to my coach, hannah, and support staff for preparing me so well to win 2 golds within 24 hours of each other.

Image Credit: Imagecomms

8. ⁠In what ways did Paris 24 help the future of Para sport & elite para athletes?! 
I think the brilliant coverage by channel 4 allows the Paralympics into people’s homes back in the UK. If we don’t see para sport in the media we can’t do the part of our job as Paralympians which is to help advocate for change & provide a voice for disabled people through the power of sport.

9. ⁠How was the Paris closing ceremony for you?!
Wet! But despite that we had a fun time – conga lines and lots of dancing! closing ceremonies are always a brilliant chance to celebrate the achievements of the athletes, celebrate as a team & really see how the public have embraced the Paralympics and the French crowd were brilliant!

10. ⁠What’s next for triple Paralympic champion Charlotte Henshaw MBE PLY?
A holiday and a rest first! We don’t often get chance to have a proper rest so I’ll take some time to switch off from “athlete mode”and re     engage with parts of my life that bring me joy in other ways. I also want to make the most of the time being able to share my gold medal moments with people – schools, businesses etc. then I’ll get back to training and start planning for the LA2028 cycle!

Prevented Ocean Plastic Teams Up With England Legend Marlie Packer To Raise Awareness of Ocean Plastic Crisis

by

The agreement sees Marlie Packer become the latest in POP’s Athlete Ambassador programme where she will promote the recycling brand until the end of 2025 and support their ‘Better Plastic Choice’ positioning in the UK and abroad.

The Prevented Ocean Plastic™ programme incentivises the collection of waste plastic – helping people around the world to clean their coastlines, protect the environment, and earn an income at the same time. This collected material is then recycled into high quality, fully certified recycled plastic used by supermarkets and brands around the world that meets regulatory health and safety standards, is traceable back to source, and can be identified on pack through its distinctive triangular blue logo. Brands that use Prevented Ocean Plastic™ in their products include Lush, Lidl, Louis Vuitton, Childs Farm, NeoWtr and many more.

Packer is one of the most ferocious tacklers in world rugby and has won 104 caps for England to date.  She is a 2014 World Cup winner, eight times Six Nations Grand Slam winner and was World Rugby’s 2023 World Female Player of the Year.

Raffi Schieir, Founder of Prevented Ocean Plastic™, commented, “We’re so excited to welcome Marlie to the Prevented Ocean Plastic™ programme. She knows the power of teamwork and the big difference that small, positive choices can make. Together we can ensure more people are aware of the ocean plastic crisis and the steps they can take to tackle it.”

Packer is delighted to be teaming up with POP. She said, “I love what Prevented Ocean Plastic™ are doing to help UK consumers make better choices around their buying of more sustainable products, and I’m proud to harness my profile and platform to support their efforts.”

Other Prevented Ocean Plastic™ Athlete Ambassadors include 2024 Paralympics GB table tennis player Martin Perry, leading British beach volleyball player Issa Batrane, professional windsurfer Sarah Jackson, and 2022 Marathon Canoe World Champion, Beth Gill.

For more information about Prevented Ocean Plastic™ visit: www.preventedoceanplastic.com.

Kyniska Advocacy Urges New UK Government to Champion Safe Sport for Women and Girls

by

A Vision for Safe Sport

Kyniska Advocacy’s manifesto envisions a sporting community where the protection and welfare of women are paramount. Despite efforts over the past decade, progress has been slow, and the current system has failed to meet the needs of female athletes, with 1 in 5 women globally having suffered sexual abuse in a sporting environment during childhood. In the UK, women are 160% more likely than men to cite a lack of safe places to exercise as a barrier to sport.

Key Recommendations

1. Establish an Independent Body for Duty of Care and Safeguarding in Sport:  Tackle all forms of abuse and ensure consistently high levels of duty of care across the sports sector.  Eliminate conflicts of interest and restore trust by removing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) from adjudicating safeguarding cases.

2. Mandatory Reporting of Abuse and Misconduct: ○ Introduce statutory requirements for sports personnel to report known or suspected abuse to local authorities or the police, aligning the UK with international standards.

3. Age-Appropriate Inclusive Relationship and Sex Education in Schools: Ensure children and young people understand consent and healthy relationships to spot signs of mistreatment.

4. Ring-Fence Funding for Safeguarding and Athlete Welfare:  Require sports councils to allocate dedicated funding for safeguarding and welfare, promoting long-term planning and proactive solutions.

5. UK-Wide National Coaches Licensing Scheme and Register:  Expand the pilot national registration scheme for sports coaches to prevent abusive coaches from moving between sports or countries.

6. Expand Protections for Young Adults in Sport:  Extend the Duty of Care protections to athletes up to age 25 and mandate disclosure of coach-athlete romantic relationships.

Supporting Survivors

The manifesto emphasises the need for proper support systems for those who have experienced abuse. An independent safeguarding body would ensure consistent and trusted support, reducing the trauma of reporting abuse and preventing further harm.

Preventing Future Abuse

Education and proactive measures are crucial in preventing abuse. The manifesto calls for comprehensive Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools, mirroring successful models in other regions. It also advocates for a robust funding mechanism to support safeguarding officers, advisory boards, and mental health resources.

Building Trust and Accountability

Kyniska Advocacy stresses that safeguarding must be treated separately from other integrity issues, such as anti-doping, to address the unique needs of abuse survivors. The proposed independent body would draw from existing successful models like the Sports Ground Safety Authority and UK Anti-Doping.

Kate Seary, Co-Founder and Director, Kyniska Advocacy said “It is frustrating to have to make these calls again for a government to protect and support survivors of abuse, and implement crucial services to stop abuse in its tracks. We hope that a new government will be a fresh opportunity to reimagine what safe sport looks like in the future, and how we can work together to create a safe environment in sport for all women and girls, everywhere, no matter the sport they choose to play”

Contact Information: For more information or to request interviews, please contact: Mhairi Maclennan & Kate Seary Co-founders of Kyniska Advocacy mhairi.maclennan@kyniskaadvocacy.com kate.seary@kyniskaadvocacy.com

About Kyniska Advocacy: Kyniska Advocacy is a survivor and athlete-led organisation dedicated to promoting the welfare and protection of female athletes. Through advocacy, research, and education, the organisation aims to create a safe and equitable sporting environment for all. Kyniska Advocacy released their new strategy for 2024-2025 in February this year.

Subscribe to AMG Newsletter here