Chris Boardman takes role as Chair of Sport England

The Culture Secretary has announced the appointment of Chris Boardman to the role of Chair of Sport England, where he will serve a four year term.

Describing the position which Boardman is to occupy, the Government statement says he will play “a critical role in supporting and developing grassroots sport and physical activity and getting more people active across the country as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. He will also play a key role in supporting Sport England to deliver on its ambitious 10-year strategy, Uniting the Movement, published earlier this year.”

Chris Boardman MBE said: “I am delighted to take up the position of Chair for Sport England. Sport and activity are central to my own life and it’s clear they have a heightened importance for all of us right now. I am looking forward to helping the team bring opportunities to be active to more people than ever before.”

Beginning on July 22nd, Boardman takes over from Nick Bitel, who has held the role since 2013.

Boardman was recently rumoured to be in the offing as head of the soon to be created Active Travel England. Currently he is Greater Manchester’s Transport Commissioner, a role within which he is tasked with bringing about modal share change in the city, making options outside of driving more attractive to the masses in a bid to solve congestion and pollution issues. Prior to this he was specifically Greater Manchester’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner.

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of Sport England, said of the appointment: “With his background as a successful athlete and his incredible work in transforming attitudes to cycling and activity in our communities, Chris is a fantastic appointment as Chair of Sport England and we’re really looking forward to working with him. As we begin to deliver on our ambitious 10 year strategy ‘Uniting the Movement’, I have no doubt that Chris will play a significant leadership role and play a crucial part in our work to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.

“Chris is building on the fantastic eight years of his predecessor and I am so grateful to Nick for his counsel, support, experience and wisdom during my three years as CEO and for everything he has done to ensure Sport England is in the best possible shape to thrive in the years to come. He has been a brilliant Chair and we have been lucky to have him.”