Social Enterprise UK is the national body for businesses that profit society. Along with their members, they are the voice of social enterprise, building networks to enable shared knowledge and resources. SEUK campaigns to create a business environment where social enterprises can thrive, influencing politicians across the spectrum to recognise the importance of pushing these beneficial businesses up the policy agenda.
On becoming a member of Social Enterprise UK, Michael Ledzion, Chief Sportivater at Great Athletes, says:
“This is an exciting development for us, and recognises the model we set out for Great Athletes from the very beginning – that we put social impact at the heart of every business decision we make, and operate with this purpose in mind. Through their commitment and effort in the pursuit of their passions, Great Athletes athletes have developed humility and discipline that enable them to be outstanding and genuine role models for children today. We are reframing the education debate by putting physical health on a par with mental health and academic achievement.”
The Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) is the independent self-regulatory scheme for fundraising in the UK. FRSB support their members by helping them to meet or exceed fundraising best practise. Members of the public are protected by this membership since the FRSB ensure that all their members are accountable for their fundraising and are responsible in dealing with any concerns that may arise.
The high standards that Great Athletes have maintained and committed to following in the future are set by the Institute of Fundraising and are published as the Code of Fundraising Practise. The standards are based on thorough research within the fundraising industry and are continually informed and strengthened by the feedback that the public provide.
“The FRSB tick is a mark of trust and credibility – it shows that we really care about our supporters”, said our Chief Sportivater, Michael Ledzion.
Our funding scheme is designed to be a triple win, by helping schools raise money for new PE equipment, supporting the country’s top international athletes and running inspirational events at no financial risk to the schools involved. This scheme relies on those participating in the event just trying their best to raise as much money as they can.
Michael added, “Our membership to FRSB means that sponsors can confidently support the events run by Great Athletes. This gives primary schools the opportunity to invest in new PE equipment and helps children across the UK to be inspired by our country’s top athletes always to try their best, believe in themselves and work hard at everything they do”.
Our most recent athletic additions to the Great Athletes team are GB Swimmer Caitlin McClatchey, GB Hammer Thrower Chris Bennett, GB Judo Champion Theo Spalding and GB para-athlete Jo Butterfield. We can’t wait to see these inspiring athletes visiting schools, doing fitness circuits, and are eager to help motivate the next generation get enthused about sport.
Having started swimming at the age of 3 and training at the age of 11, Caitlin McClatchey is an example of what hard work from a young age can achieve. It’s hard to believe that when she started she was actually no good at swimming! Having competed as an international swimmer for 10 years, and with three Olympic Games up her sleeve as well as a double gold win for Scotland at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Caitlin has recently announced her retirement! However, she is still passionate about inspiring the next generation so primary school kids across Scotland should get their swimming costumes at the ready…after a visit from Caitlin, everyone is going to be ready for a splash in the pool!
Scotland’s very own Glaswegian Chris Bennett took up Hammer Throwing in 2005 and has catapulted himself into the top rankings, going from strength to strength with a throw of 74.66m at his most recent competition in Loughborough earlier this year. Having endured many bumps along the way, including the death of his coach last year, Chris is ready to inspire kids to never give up.
Five times British Champion Theo Spalding grew up in East London and took up Judo as a way of keeping out of trouble. He has many achievements tied under his black belt now, as he is also a European Cup Medallist, Commonwealth Champion and 1st place Heart of England Champion! Theo believes that there is so much more to sport than just physical activity and he is ready to inspire the schools of Scotland with his compelling story.
Paralympic Club and Discuss thrower Jo Butterfield had been playing wheelchair rugby since suffering a spinal cord injury in 2011, when she was accepted onto a UK Sport Talent ID programme called ‘Girls4Gold’. Jo embraced the new challenge of transferring to athletics and could never have guessed the change it would bring about in her life! Just after 5 months of getting to grips with her new sport, Jo achieved her first GB selection for the 2014 European Championships and successfully returned home with not only a gold medal but also a new European record! She is now working hard for Rio 2016 and is excited to inspire the Scottish schools with her motto: “If you never quit you have never failed!”
We are really excited to have launched into Scotland with such an incredible line up of athletes. If you would like these inspirational athletes to visit your school, then get in touch quick as events are already getting booked up!
