Women’s Sport Lead, Jenny Mitton, joins UNICEF UK’s Sport Advisory Board

We are so excited to announce that Jenny Mitton, our Women’s Sport Lead, joins UNICEF UK’s newly formed Sport Advisory Board.

Bringing together individuals from across the sporting industry, Jenny joins a powerful body of leaders who together will advance UNICEF’s work in the sector.

The board’s imminent priorities include helping to identify new fundraising partnerships for UNICEF UK, raise awareness of key issues affecting children and help improve safeguarding and respect for child rights in sport globally.

UNICEF’s work in sport centres around three core pillars: raise further funds towards life-saving UNICEF programmes, advocate for child rights and to make sport safe, fun and inclusive for children. The board’s imminent priorities include helping to identify new fundraising partnerships for UNICEF UK, raise awareness of key issues affecting children and help improve safeguarding and respect for child rights in sport globally.

Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said: “At UNICEF UK, we believe that sport has the power to change children’s lives. By taking part in sport, children learn to develop confidence, motivate themselves and lead active lifestyles. It is therefore critical that sports and our work in protecting child rights go hand in hand.”

“I am delighted to welcome our inaugural Sport Advisory Board today. Each member brings with them the experience to make a real difference and clear dedication to child rights. We will work together to achieve our core strategic priorities to reach and continue to protect every child everywhere.”

Members of the Sport Advisory Board will use their skills, networks, and experience to collectively drive forward UNICEF UK’s three core priorities in sport. Members join the child right’s agency’s Sport Advisory Board from a variety of backgrounds in the sport industry, all with the vision of helping guide and enhance the strategic development of UNICEF UK’s work in the sector.

Yath Gangakumaran, Chair of UNICEF UK Sport Advisory Board and Commercial Director at Sky Sports said: “Sport has the power to change children’s lives for the better, and the reach and captive audiences that sport organisations and athletes offer is unparalleled. As an industry, we can play a meaningful role in positively supporting the development of children across the world.

“I’m honoured to support UNICEF UK’s Sport Advisory Board to advance the organisation’s pioneering developmental work linked to sport and help improve the lives of children around the world.”

The Sports Advisory Board will meet quarterly, with the first meeting taking place at the end of February.

Back to all News & Views