Paul Richardson, a former lawyer turned chief executive of a number of private and publicly quoted companies, has been appointed new chairman of the Board.  

City Football Group chief financial officer Andy Young, strategic sports and media executive Charly Classen, smart technology consultant and long-time Special Olympics GB volunteer Andy Baker, public sector strategist Special Olympics Wales chair Dawn Brace and former Kerry Foods HR director Emma Rose are joining as new Board members.  

"We are absolutely delighted to welcome all our new Board members to Special Olympics GB," said Michelle Carney, Special Olympics GB chief executive.

"Each of them brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from a wide variety of backgrounds and relevant organisations. 

"Together, with our existing board members, we look forward to developing a new strategy to take the organisation to the next level.  

"High on our list of priorities will be working with the Government to try and secure long-term funding, along with a proposal for Great Britain to host a Special Olympics World Games in 2031. 

"The infrastructure and talent are already here in the UK, so why not? 

"Intellectual disability is the last hidden disability and more needs to be done across the board to change that. 

"As has been seen countless times, sport can change lives.  

"Special Olympics GB is a catalyst for change and, with support, could do so much more for people with intellectual disability."

Special Olympics Great Britain worked closely with Savannah Group, an executive search and interim management firm, and the company's head of media practice and board practice Tony Simpson. 

They conducted an extensive search for a replacement for former chair Murton Mann, who was due to step down after serving his maximum tenure on the Board.  

"Many thanks to Michelle Carney, outgoing chair Murton Mann and the board of Trustees for giving me this opportunity," Richardson said.

"Having been involved in sport and charities for more than 20 years, I strongly believe that Special Olympics GB has huge potential to help change the lives of a lot more people with an intellectual disability.  

"I literally can't wait to see where we can take this organisation and I look forward to Special Olympics GB no longer being the best kept secret in sport.  

"I have a proven track record in transforming organisations and am looking forward to working with Michelle, the Board and the amazing network of volunteers across the country and, in particular, the athletes I’ve heard so much about."    

Special Olympics GB is a non-profit organisation and the largest provider of year-round, sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

They currently have more than 120 all-ability, inclusive sports clubs covering 28 sports across England, Scotland and Wales.