Vijita Patel and Kiera Byland join Special Olympics GB Board

Special Olympics GB is delighted to announce the appointment of Vijita Patel and Kiera Byland to the organisations Board of Trustees with immediate effect.

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. We currently have more than 120 all ability, inclusive sports clubs covering 28 sports across England, Scotland and Wales providing approximately 27,000 regular hour-long sporting sessions per year, all delivered by a team of more than 3,700 volunteers.

Vijita is Principal and a National Leader of Education of Swiss Cottage School, Development and Research Centre, a special needs school in the London Borough of Camden. As a designated Teaching School, they also work collaboratively with a network of schools and organisations to engage with research and innovation which will enhance approaches to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

In addition, Vijita is also a Trustee of the Varkey Foundation, Artists in Residence Charity and Swiss Cottage School Charity.

Kiera is a multi-award-winning Special Olympian and athlete leader who has represented GB on a global stage as a cyclist on two occasions winning 3 Gold medals in 2015 (Los Angeles) and 3 Gold medals in 2019 (Abu Dhabi), making her a double triple gold medallist. Since joining Special Olympics GB at the age of 16, Kiera has received a wide range of awards and accolades.

Paul Richardson, Chair of Special Olympics GB said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Vijita and Kiera to our Special Olympics GB Board. Their appointment is a further step in building and strengthening the team at Special Olympics GB as we continue to transform and grow our movement across Great Britain. I am really looking forward to working with them and our existing Board members on our exciting journey.

"Vijita brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge from the education sector, as well as working with adults and children with learning disabilities which will be instrumental in our vision of reaching more people and transforming more lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport.

"Kiera is an extraordinary person and a shining example of the life-changing impact Special Olympics GB can have on someone with intellectual disabilities. Kiera is a true advocate of Special Olympics GB and for inclusion as a whole and I know she will do an outstanding job of ensuring the voices of our athletes are at the heart of every decision we make as a Board."

Commenting on her appointment Vijita Patel said: "It is an honour to join the Special Olympics GB Board of Trustees. The values and mission are pivotal in promoting an inclusive society. I deeply value the focus Special Olympics GB holds on empowering children and young people through the power of sports and movement. I look forward to supporting the incredible team and community."

Commenting on her appointment Kiera Byland said: "I am honoured to be joining the Special Olympics GB Board. I have some big shoes to fill but I’m going to try and be the best positive role model and advocate for Special Olympics athletes. I feel this is a huge opportunity to showcase that all Special Olympics athletes have many talents and aspirations to be included in society and have their voices heard through me."

The appointment of Vijita and Kiera brings the total number of Special Olympics GB Board members to 12 - comprising seven women and five men - all of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge from a wide range of different backgrounds including law, finance, media, HR and a variety of intellectual disability and ethnic backgrounds.

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