New Directors with lived experience of disability appointed to the IMAS Board!

IMAS is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors, Ella Sky and Sam Prowse!

Ella is a passionate advocate for inclusive sports, with a strong belief in its power to bring people of all abilities together. She has been an IMAS trainer for the past two years, and a Mixed Ability rugby player at Yeovil RFC, where she captained her team and was selected for the Mixed Ability Rugby Invitational on their inaugural women’s team touring Spain in 2023.

Ella said: “I am excited to have more of a role with IMAS and to contribute to their mission of promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality in sports. I look forward to working with the rest of the Board of Directors to help further IMAS’s Manifesto and initiatives and make a positive impact with Mixed Ability sports across the UK and around the world.  I look forward to using my skills and life experiences within this role, supporting IMAS to expand. I am especially keen to further expand Mixed Ability Sports in the South West of England and engaging more women to regularly play sport.”

Sam has been involved with Mixed Ability since the creation of the Letchworth Braveherts, whom he also captained, and was a speaker at the IMART 2022 international conference. He was also capped for the MARIs and works as an Expert by Experience Advisor for his Local Council.

Sam said: “IMAS is a fantastic organisation making a significant impact by promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports for everyone. Benefiting individuals, teams, clubs and communities and making a more inclusive world, creating a sense of purpose and enjoyment for everyone. Going beyond just sport, engaging with professionals and working with people who may face barriers in life from sport and communities. I look forward to using my skills and my life experiences to support the organisation to continue its fantastic work and develop further.”

Both Ella and Sam will bring direct knowledge and personal experience of the barriers faced by the people IMAS serves and represents, adding invaluable leadership to the organisation. They will also continue their advisory work with the Inclusion in Sport Group and as IMAS trainers, co-producing and delivering Mixed Ability education to sports clubs, communities, National Governing Bodies, as well as health and social care professionals.

The appointment of Ella and Sam as Board members with lived experience marks a re-focus on how we will operate as a Board moving forward. We acknowledge that governance, representation and access to leadership need not just reasonable adjustments but a radical rethink. As an organisation, we believe that sharing power and decisions is the best way to embody our Manifesto and transform our communities. We also know this is a new journey where we all need to learn. We have therefore decided to work together to develop a brand-new leadership training package which will enable meaningful contribution and effective governance, making IMAS a stronger organisation!