Star Line Up Discusses Sport for Good!

Guests to Craven College were treated to an amazing evening of anecdote and advice from Alistair Brownlee (2 x Olympic Gold Medallist), Ruth Astle (3 x Ironman World Champion), and Pete Williams (former professional cyclist). This fascinating event was planned, organised, and implemented by Level 3 Year 1 Business students as part of the unit surrounding managing an event. Whilst a free event, guests were invited to donate to The Brownlee Foundation; an organisation that inspires children from all backgrounds to enjoy sport, encouraging them to lead active lifestyles and benefit from the opportunities sport provides.

The evening began with a panel discussion and questions from the audience – submitted via QR code – on a range of topics including the journey of an athlete, psychology of performance, the transition from business to sport and from sport to business. The special guests then split into break out rooms to give individual talks before reconvening for thanks and the opportunity for photos and a spot of networking!

James Wiggan, Advanced Practitioner and Lecturer in Sport said, “What our Level 3 BTEC Business students delivered last night was remarkable – not just as a piece of event management, but as a genuine demonstration of what happens when young people are trusted with something that matters. Organising a live panel event is not just a classroom exercise – it’s the real world and they handled it brilliantly!

“This event was part of our growing partnership with the Brownlee Foundation, and it served as the launchpad for something the whole community should be excited about the Skipton Multi Sports Festival, taking place on 23rd and 24th May.

“The Foundation’s mission is to get more people – particularly young people – active and engaged in sport. Last night, our students created an event that inspired a room full of people, and in doing so, they demonstrated exactly the kind of skills, confidence, and professionalism that employers are looking for.

“We’re incredibly proud of what they achieved, and we can’t wait to see them take that same energy forward into their professional lives and careers.”

Danny Hinchcliffe, Lecturer in Business added, “The Craven College ‘Sport for Good’ evening brought together students, guests, and industry professionals for an inspiring event focused on sport, business, and entrepreneurship. Guest speakers Alistair Brownlee, Ruth Astle, and Pete Williams shared their experiences in elite sport and their transition into the business world.  The event was fully planned and delivered by Craven College Level 3 Foundation Diploma Business students, providing valuable hands-on experience in event management from initial planning through to the evening itself.”

Emily Scott, Level 3 Business student and Event Team Leader said, “The event was a great opportunity to work with my classmates and work as a team to make all the pieces fall into place. I loved taking a leadership role, sharing out the roles within the team to get the job done efficiently, and this helped me utilise and develop my communication and organisational skills. I loved corresponding with the guests and also seeing how much people enjoyed the event in the end. It’s made me realise how much I enjoy event management and team leadership roles.”