CHILDREN’S charity Marathon Kids UK has appointmed Taekwondo star Sarah Stevenson MBE as their new patron.
Sarah has a long-standing athletic career starting at the tender age of 14 when in 1998 she became the Junior World Champion followed by the Junior European Champion in 1999.
Sarah is the first British Taekwondo World Champion and Great Britain’s first Olympic Taekwondo medalist, won in Beijing in 2008.
In 2012 Sarah was chosen to compete in the London Olympics as well as to be the host nation’s Oath Taker. Representing all the athletes taking part in the Olympic Games, Sarah delivered the solemn promise during the Opening Ceremony.
After joining the Leamington-based Marathon Kids UK team Sarah said: “I am honoured to be representing such a wonderful charity. I believe in their mission to inspire children to be more physically active and therefore happier, healthier, and more confident. As an athlete I know that fitness and feeling strong can really boost confidence, and I hope that with my support Marathon Kids UK will continue to reach more children across the UK”.
Newly appointed managing director Christopher McShane said, “We are delighted to have Sarah become a patron of Marathon Kids UK. Her athletic background, combined with the fact that she is a mother of two, makes her the perfect fit for our charity.”
This new appointment comes shortly after a change in management of the charity which has seen founding CEO Martine Verweij move to the role of chair of trustees.
Martine said of Sarah’s appointment: “I am inspired to see the developments and leadership that Christopher has already brought to his new role as Managing Director of Marathon Kids UK. I believe that Sarah will be an excellent Patron for the charity, she is a most inspiring athlete and a fantastic role-model for children”.
To find out more about Marathon Kids UK and register your school to the programme or attend one of their events – www.marathonkids.co.uk
