Dual role for principle at Inverclyde and Cumbrae
Tuesday 27 February 2007
Following a review of the management structure and operation of sportscotland’s National Centres at Inverclyde and Cumbrae, sportscotland Chief Executive, Stewart Harris, today confirmed plans that will see the centres work more closely together under the leadership of John Kent.
As from 1 February 2007, John Kent, who has been Centre Principal at Inverclyde for the last 13 years, will now be responsible for the strategic direction of both centres, including the delivery of the corporate and business plans, major events and links with user groups, especially the RYA.
John is well known to the sailing community with over 40 years experience in the sport as a racer sailor and yachtsman, instructor and has held senior management roles at both Bisham Abbey and Iverclyde.
John is also Chair of RYA(S)’s High Performance Committee and a member of the RYA(S) Council as well as representing sportscotland on the Clyde Moorings Committee. He is a Director of the Scottish Sailing Institute and has been actively involved in major sailing events at Largs initially between 1980 and 1986 and again since his return to Inverclyde in 1991.
John will be supported in his role by the committed and experienced teams at both centres. Chris Nichol will be the Chief Instructor responsible for the day to day operation of the Cumber, concentrating on the delivery of sailing, whilst Jim Rankin, Deputy Principal, Inverclyde will take on more of the day to day management of Inverclyde.
Commenting on the changes, Stewart Harris, Chief Executive sportscotland said: “The rationale behind the changes is to ensure that the National Centres continue to best meet the needs of Scottish sport, whilst making the most effective and efficient use of the Centres’ joint resources.
“I have every confidence that John and his team will do a great job in ensuring the Centres run as a cohesive unit and continue to offer the sailing and wider sports community an outstanding user experience.”
Commenting on his appointment John Kent said: “This is an exciting time for both centres to join together, with the shared focus of meeting the needs of Olympic sports, especially sailing, in the build up to the 2012 Olympic Games and hopefully a 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.”
-ENDS-
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. sportscotland National Centre Cumbrae is Scotland’s premier watersports centre and instructor training facility. Surrounded by safe water with easy access to the open sea, the centre’s position offers exceptional facilities for watersports enthusiasts of all levels.
2. Set on the wooded hillside behind the Ayrshire seaside town of Largs, sportscotland National Centre Inverclyde boasts a range of facilities which cater for 23 different sports. Many of the Scottish governing bodies of sport use the centres to train national squads, coaches and individual players and Inverclyde is a regular venue for major national and international championships. Inverclyde is also open to a wide range of other user groups and the local community.
For further information, contact:
Katriona Bush, Head of Media Relations, sportscotland
Tel: 0131 472 3309 or mobile: 07971 782662