London 2017 Makes New Board Appointments
London 2017 has announced that double Paralympic medalist Stef Reid (pictured above) has been appointed to its Board and Vanessa Daobry has joined the Inspiration Programme Board.
Reid, who won silver in the T44 long jump at the London 2012 Paralympic Games has four other global titles to her name including European gold, which she won in Swansea two years ago. She is a five-time world record holder and, subject to ratification, reclaimed her world long jump record earlier this week.
The 31 year-old will bring her competition experience to the role, as well as her experience in facing a life-changing injury to become an athlete, professional speaker, fashion model and lay preacher.
Vanessa Daobry, a wheelchair athlete who competes in the shot put and is currently ranked number one in Europe, is joining the Inspiration Programme Board. The programme co-ordinates activities to harness interest in London 2017 and create long-term benefits.
Daobry recently made her international debut as part of the British team at the IPC Athletics European Championships in Grosseto. She finished just outside the medals in the F34 shot put in Italy.
She will help ensure that the Inspiration Programme delivers the best legacy for the capital. Outside of training she coaches in her own right, leading the Haringey Wheelchair Racing Group and has worked for England Athletics as the Run Activator for Haringey and Islington.
Stef Reid said: “I am really excited to be appointed to the 2017 board! It is fantastic so see another major global championships returning to the UK. I will be drawing on all of my past experience to ensure that the athletes, spectators, and stakeholders leave London both inspired and proud to be part of another world class event. Britain is the leading force in para-athletics. We have another opportunity to further develop the sport and showcase it to the world.”
Nessa Daobry added: “It’s a real privilege to be a part of the Inspiration Programme Board for London 2017. The 2012 Paralympic Games proved to be monumental for encouraging and inspiring disabled individuals to participate in sport whether that was through competing, volunteering or spectating. The World ParaAthletics Championships will present further opportunities to continue the work done over the last four years and I’m delighted to be able to be involved in the project.”
Ed Warner, co-chair of London 2017 said: “I’m delighted that two currently competing British ParaAthletics stars are joining the London 2017 team. Stef brings with her a wealth of Paralympic experience to help ensure the ParaAthletics World Championships in London are the best ever from an athlete perspective. Nessa’s London roots will prove invaluable in driving forward our Inspiration Programme’s disability athletics initiatives in the host city and the nation more widely. I’m looking forward to working with them both over the next 12 months as we plan an incredible summer of world athletics.”
London 2017 will be the first time that both the World ParaAthletics Championships and the IAAF World Championships are held in the same city in the same summer. The World ParaAthletics Championships takes place from 14th – 23rd July with the IAAF World Championships London 2017 following from 4th – 13th August 2017, both at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Image: ©Getty Images
