A former Army Lieutenant Colonel has begun his job to make the most of South West England’s contribution to the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games

Guy Lavender, who served in the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, took up his appointment as South West Director for the 2012 Games on 22 May.  His post is jointly funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) and Sport England South West.

The director’s post has a wide remit, including responsibility for building cultural links, boosting tourism, supporting the drive to get the nation more active and encouraging new investment in sport in the region.  He will also be involved in the selection of pre-Games training camps in South West England.

Thirty-eight year old Mr Lavender has enjoyed a distinguished 17-year career in the Armed Forces, serving in some of the world’s most volatile countries including Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.  He is also a keen sportsman whose interests include competitive running, skydiving, sailing, skiing and climbing.  Guy holds a first degree in Sports Science and two Masters degrees - one in military studies and the other in business administration.  

Guy Lavender said: “This is a unique and tremendously exciting opportunity for South West England and I am thrilled to have the responsibility for ensuring the region makes the most of this once in a lifetime event.”

The new director will be an advocate for the Games at all levels across South West England.  On a practical level he will manage and co-ordinate the South West England Operational Team for the 2012 Games.  He will work with the public and all partners around the region to capitalise on the opportunities provided by hosting the Games, as well as contributing to the successful hosting of the sailing events in Weymouth and Portland in Dorset.

Juliet Williams, Chair of the South West RDA, said: “Our region stands to gain so much from hosting the 2012 Games and this appointment means that we can really start to grasp those opportunities.  I’m confident that Guy Lavender will ensure that South West England creates a long-term legacy from the staging of an event that will engage the eyes of the world.”

Ged Roddy, Chair of Sport England South West, said: “Guy Lavender’s appointment is the first important step in building a sustainable sporting legacy that will benefit generations in years to come: through performance, improved health, events, facilities and through opportunities for all to participate.

“The Games will provide the ultimate inspiration for our young sportsmen and women, and for South West England there is more to it than just the exhilaration of hosting the world’s greatest sporting occasion – we will be able to showcase the region and the sporting talent we nurture.  We look forward to working with Guy in creating a regional sporting community,” he concluded.

Notes to Editors-

1.The South West of England Regional Development Agency was established by government in 1999 to promote the long-term economic success of the region. It does this by working with others to give people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving infrastructure, helping communities with regeneration and promoting the strengths of the region.

2.Sport England is the agency tasked with the development of community sport in England and invests Lottery and Exchequer funds into sport.  Sport England has nine Regional Sports Boards, each made up of experts from areas such as business, local government, sport, health and education.  The RSBs provide the strategic lead for sport in their regions and distribute investment for grassroots sport.  Sport England has invested more than £2.2billion of Lottery funds into sport across England and more than £550 million from the Exchequer.  www.sportengland.org

3.The region is represented at LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games) through the Regions and Nations Group, under the Chairmanship of Charles Allen and through a regional coordinator.

4.Ged Roddy was appointed Chair of the South West Regional Sports Board in 2003.  Currently, he is Director of Sport Development at the University of Bath.  Since 1989 he has been involved in sports education, including holding the post of Assistant Director of Physical Education at Southampton between 1990 and 1992.  In 1996, he launched the “Team Bath“ multi-sport training centre.  He has been a fitness advisor to the England Rugby team and provided consultancy support to the Scottish RFU.  He served on the committee of Quinquennial Review of Sport England.

5.Juliet Williams was appointed Chairman of the South West of England Regional Development Agency in Dec 2002. She was Chair of the Chairs of the English regions in 2004/05, and chairs both the South West Enterprise and Skills Alliance and the Strategic Development Group for Cornwall. She is a member of the DTI's Industrial Development Advisory Board and of the Board of VisitBritain.

A former book publisher and editor of The Geographical Magazine, subsequently spending 17 successful years as chief executive of companies in the creative industries, Juliet founded her own management consultancy in 1991. She also runs a business incubator for young entrepreneurs and teaches on MBA programmes around the world.

For further information please contact Pip Hatt on 01392 229567 or email pip.hatt@southwestrda.org.uk

For information about Sport England South West, please contact Jason Lyons on 020 7273 1840 or email jason.lyons@sportengland.org