John Inverdale becomes President of spinal injury charity Aspire
This month one of the UK’s leading sports personalities John Inverdale, became President of Aspire. John Indverdale has been involved with Aspire for the past 10 years, having hosted the charity’s annual Sports Quiz Dinner fundraising event at Lord’s Cricket Ground, and has now decided to take his support up a gear by taking on the important role of President.
Speaking to guests and staff at the Aspire National Training Centre on Thursday 10th June, John Inverdale said: “During my involvement with Aspire over the past 10 years, regrettably I have seen how far too many people’s lives can be devastated by spinal cord injuries. It is the essential and practical support from charities like Aspire that really helps people regain their independence, which is why I am extremely proud to take on the role as President.”
Aspire supports people who have incurred a spinal injury, with a specific focus on helping them regain their independence after being discharged from hospital.
In addition to this, the Aspire National Training Centre in Stanmore, North London, is at the forefront of advancing inclusive fitness in the UK, being Europe’s first fully integrated leisure facility. “We aim to lead by example and eventually see a significant change in the fitness industry, to make it easier for disabled and non-disabled people to play sport and enjoy training together,” said Aspire’s CEO, Brian Carlin.
This cause is something John is personally committed to, having spent many years working in the sports broadcasting industry. “It was fantastic to see so many disabled and non-disabled people exercising and playing sport together. The Aspire National Training Centre really breaks down the barriers that are all too prevalent elsewhere” commented John.
John Inverdale commenced his role as President on 10th June by playing a game of tennis with Tim Rushby-Smith who is a wheelchair user. He also met Aspire staff, Leisure Centre users and officially opened Aspire’s newly refurbished gym. The Aspire gym is staffed by both disabled and non-disabled fitness instructors and features state-of-the-art cardio and resistance training equipment that is accessible to non-disabled and wheelchair users alike.
“Thanks to generous funding from the London Marathon Charitable Trust and the City Bridge Foundation we have been able to spend almost £100,000 refurbishing and re-fitting our fitness studio with up to date and fully accessible fitness equipment that benefits everyone in society. ” said Brian Carlin.
John Inverdale is one of the most well known sports broadcasters in the UK, having presented the BBC’s TV coverage and Five Live’s radio coverage of leading sports events such as Wimbledon, the Six Nations and the World Cup. “We’re absolutely delighted that John has chosen to take on the role of President at Aspire, and we look forward to continued growth and expansion with his involvement,” concluded Brian Carlin.