Premier appoints Olympic gold medallist Duncan Goodhew as chairman
Published: 01 December 2017
Children’s sports franchise Premier has announced that former Olympic swimmer Duncan Goodhew is to join the organisation as chairman.
Duncan, who won gold and bronze medals at the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, was previously a director of the Premier Education Group, as well as an ambassador for Premier Sport, where he visited schools around the UK.
The new role will see him join the company in a more official capacity, and he will be working closely with the executive team to deliver the growth plans.
Duncan says: “I’m delighted to be the new chairman because Premier has shown it can be a leading organisation.
“For me Premier has managed to get into a position where they are looking at the holistic development of young people, how we can help them not just become more physically active but, also, more conscious of their diet, how activity can improve their academic attainment, and that’s an exciting journey to be on, and a way of making a living as well.”
Duncan served as deputy mayor of the Olympic Village at the London 2012 Olympics and was one of four athletes that carried the Olympic torch into the stadium.
He adds: “Developing a healthy interest in sport and exercise can play a crucial part in the future wellbeing of our children. Premier coordinates and supports a team of highly trained, properly qualified coaches across the country.
“Their work provides children with a higher quality of sport and PE. It's exactly what has been identified as being required to meet the needs of local education authorities, schools, parents and, most important of all, children themselves.”
Duncan’s appointment comes as Premier undergoes significant expansion, both across the UK and internationally; the brand is now offering programmes in India and the US. It has also formed a new partnership with sportswear brand New Balance, which will become the company’s official kit provider.
