Isle of Man Sport Aid has a stated ambition to create a world leading athlete identification and development community on the Island. This cannot be achieved without the collaboration and commitment from the principal stakeholders, the athletes themselves. With this in mind Isle of Man Sport Aid has asked Ian Braid, MD of www.dociasport.co.uk, to set up an Athlete Advisory Board so that the views of the athletes can be heard individually and as a group. At an appropriate time Ian will pass the role of Chair to the vice-chair whilst continuing to provide that post-holder with ongoing support.

Ian is the former CEO of the British Athletes Commission (now the British Elite Athletes Association) and has extensive experience in giving athletes a voice. The initial members of the Sport Aid Athlete Advisory Board are:

  • Ian Braid (Chair)
  • Tara Donnelly (gymnastics, vice chair)
  • Alan Corlett (athletics)
  • Charlie Swales (triathlon)
  • Matt Bostock (cycling)
  • Sam Brand (cycling)
  • Sean Jackson (amputee football)
  • Charlotte Atkinson (swimming)

A picture and Bio for each member of the AAB can be found by clicking on each individual name above.

The aim of the AAB is to offer Isle of Man Sport Aid, and its partners, advice regarding the lived experience of being on the talent pathway, and how it might be improved – as well as life as an athlete in a national governing body (on island and in the GB system). In addition to wanting the Sport Aid athletes to be as good as they can be, we would be interested in learning about your experiences in representing the Isle of Man, England, or Team GB / Paralympics GB at age group or senior level.

The AAB has NOT been set up to offer you individual advice, support, and guidance – especially if there is a dispute or grievance. But any member of the group will treat your case in confidence and independently of the system and WILL signpost you to where help will be available.

The AAB is all about the athletes and for the athletes.

The AAB can be contacted by email iomathletes@googlegroups.com and a member will respond within 48 hours of your approach.