The Mintridge Foundation is celebrating a momentous milestone moment this week, kicking off its 400th sporting mentorship programme. Harnessing the power of positive sporting role models, the Foundation has been providing school children across the country with long-term mentorship to nurture their talents and wellbeing through sport since 2015. To date, the Foundation has supported 191 schools and clubs to deliver 400 bespoke programmes, reaching over 70,000 young people across the country.
Partnering with Wimbledon High School, the latest programme will be led by former GB track and field athlete, Marilyn Okoro, who previously represented the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for nine consecutive years. With career highlights including holding a World Championship Bronze, European Bronze and Silver and an Olympic Bronze, Marilyn is also five times 800m National Champion and the current National Record Holder for 600m and 4x400m.
Having joined the Mintridge team back as its first ever Ambassador seven years ago, this joint milestone marks a full-circle moment for both Okoro and the Foundation.
Commenting on this latest milestone, founder and Managing Director Alex Wallace said:
“After launching the Foundation seven years ago, I’m so proud that we’ve reached the momentous milestone of delivering 400 programmes! A lifelong sports fan, it’s been my mission to help more children experience the benefits of an active lifestyle whilst accessing the necessary support and tools to support their development.
“The work that our team of Ambassadors deliver is genuinely life-changing for young people, and I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to and are continuing to nurture the next generation of British athletes and sportspeople. Looking ahead to our next steps, we have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline for the coming weeks and months ahead – watch this space!”
The Mintridge Foundation’s team of Ambassadors consists of Olympians, Paralympians and professional sports stars from over 20 sports; including the likes of Zoe Harrison and Khadijah Safari and many more. Together, they work with young people in schools, clubs and academies across the UK to nurture raw talent, increase confidence and enhance life skills, alongside increasing awareness about the importance of maintaining both mental and physical wellbeing.
Marilyn adds:
“I can’t believe we’ve reached our 400th programme; it seems like yesterday that we were delivering the very first. I am so proud of the Mintridge team: the growth and impact that we have experienced in recent years has been a joy to witness.
“I’m so proud to be able give back through my sporting achievements to the next generation. I will forever be proud to say that I was the very first Ambassador and look forward to continuing to meet and mentor young people across the country!”
Founded by Alex Wallace in 2015, the Mintridge Foundation offers eight core programmes that can be expertly tailored to suit a variety of budgets and requirements. From induction assemblies, coaching clinics and classroom sessions to one-to-one safeguarded remote mentoring, the Foundation’s team of Ambassadors can teach a variety of skills and offer young people guidance through a multitude of tools and techniques.
What’s more, Wallace has won numerous industry awards in light of the Foundation’s achievements. From being awarded the Women of the Future Sport Award in 2017, she was also recognised as an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society and won the 2018 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year award.
To learn more about The Mintridge Foundation and its programmes, visit: https://www.mintridgefoundation.org.uk/
