A first look at the Fit for the Future 2021 sessions

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Excitement is building ahead of Fit for the Future 2021, and with just a week to go until the big day, we wanted to give you a sneak preview into some of the fantastic sessions you’ll be able to attend.

From building inclusive teams to challenging cultural perceptions, our expert speakers will cover a range of topics to ensure that whatever your interests, you are able to get the most out of the day.

Understanding that diversity and inclusion is a vast area, delegates will be able to choose which sessions they join, but every single session will be recorded so you won’t miss a thing and can catch-up in your own time after the event.

We’ve put together a brief description of each session so you know exactly what to expect come 27 January.

Panel Discussion (10:00-11:00)

To kick-off the day, delegates will be able to join experts from different areas of the sporting world for an open and honest panel discussion that will reflect on the issues we are currently facing and the obstacles we must overcome to be a truly diverse and inclusive sector.

We are delighted to be welcoming Shadow Sports Minister, Alison McGovern, Paralympian and Consultant, Claire Harvey, Sport England’s Inclusivity and Diversity Board Lead, Rashmi Becker and Alliance CEO, Lisa Wainwright to the panel.

Here is Lisa discussing why diversity and inclusion is an issue so close to her heart.

Driving Inclusive Culture and Inclusion Strategy, Claire Harvey (11:15-12:45)

As a Paralympian, Claire Harvey is no stranger to performing at the highest level, but she also brings extensive knowledge from the corporate world having excelled in a number of leadership positions. By attending her session, delegates will:

  1. Gain a deeper understanding about how each person can add value to the organisation 
  2. Discover techniques on how to create a culture of inclusion in order to leverage diversity
  3. Develop a clear plan to successfully drive high performance 
  4. Ensure impact driven action to achieve sustainable change 
  5. Learn how to build diverse teams and strong relationships to succeed in a complex and rapidly changing world

Claire is an excellent speaker and facilitator and has recorded this message ahead of the session.

25 Years of Show Racism the Red Card, Paul Kearns and Shaka Hislop (11:15-12:45)

Former professional footballer and Honorary President of Show Racism the Red Card, Shaka Hislop, and the charity’s Deputy Chief Executive, Paul Kearns will showcase the work the organisation has done over the last 25 years, discussing the wins and losses and how the sports scene has changed its attitudes in light of the evolving issues around racism. It will be followed by a Q&A session, providing delegates with the opportunity to talk about their current work and the challenges moving forward.

Using Data to Track/Understand Equality and Participation, Stack Sports (11:15-12:45)

Greg Sturge, representing Stack Sports: GameDay, will be talking through how technology, software and effective data collection is becoming ever more integral when it comes to an organisation’s understanding and actions surrounding diversity and inclusivity in sport. The session will cover advice on what data to gather and how best to store that information securely, along with how organisations can begin to analyse that information further to inform their future plans, policies and governance. 

Building High Performance Inclusive Teams, Chris Garrison (13:30-15:00)

Executive coach, speaker and director of Amaechi Performance Systems, Chris Garrison will be looking at how you can design and implement sustainable solutions for optimal workplace performance. Her session will cover:

  • The difference between 'teams' and groups of elite individuals
  • Why diversity in teams isn't enough 
  • The Fab 5 - the five tenets of high-performing teams
  • Building a culture of collaboration in your teams

A Fair Future: An Inclusive Response, Activity Alliance (13:30-15:00)

Using COVID-19 insight, this workshop will explore the impact of the pandemic on disabled people’s participation and the need for an inclusive response at all levels. Delivered by Catherine Slater from the Activity Alliance, this session is designed for decision makers and professionals working in the sector and aims to make sure you leave with a better understanding of:  

  • Disabled people’s lived experiences and barriers to participation   
  • Previous and current insight on disabled people in sport and activity   
  • How to identify strengths and areas for improvement in your future organisational planning
  • Ways you can strengthen your own skills to feel more capable and confident in engaging disabled people
  • Good inclusive practice examples

Marketing and Communications Manager, Sarah Brown-Fraser, introduces the session and tells you more about how we can create a fairer society.

Opening the Doors to Your Sport, Dana Abdulkarim (13:30-15:00)

As an athlete, educator and Muslim, Dana has experienced many obstacles to engaging in sport and physical activity throughout her life. Join Dana for what promises to be an insightful session on avoiding tokenism, becoming an ally and changing cultural perceptions (linked to stereotypes, ignorance, and a lack of knowledge.)

Panel Discussion (15:15-16:15)

Fit for the Future 2021 concludes with your chance to hear from three incredible athletes: Former England netball captain, Ama Agbeze MBE, World and European Silver Medallist, Sophie Carrigill and Welsh rugby star, Ashton Hewitt. The trio will be sharing their own personal stories on how they’ve overcome barriers throughout their career and offering insight into how you can make your sport open for all.

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