Special Olympics Great Britain’s Strategic Director of Growth & Legacy Laura Baxter has been recognised in the Leaders Under 40 Class of 2023 by leading sports industry representative group, Leaders in Sport.
Having started her journey with Special Olympics GB as a volunteer coach in 2007, and being awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list of 2022, Laura is recognised by Leaders in Sport as one of 30 individuals from around the world who has ‘moved the sports industry forward in the last 12 months’.
“For more than 16 years, Laura has worked to improve opportunities for people through Special Olympics,” said Special Olympics GB Chief Executive Colin Dyer.
“Her incredibly broad experience makes her acutely aware of the challenges that our clubs and athletes face, and she continues to lead - both strategically and operationally - on work to ensure that we better support our network of clubs and give our athletes more opportunities to shine.
“Everyone at Special Olympics GB is proud to see her named within the Leaders Class of 2023.”
Over and above a 20 year international Sports Development career, across the UK, New Zealand and the USA, through Governing Body, Charity, Local Authority, Sports Trust and Academy networks, Laura fulfilled multiple local and national volunteer roles with Special Olympics GB, prior to joining the National Office staff team in 2019. She was Head Coach for the bronze-medal-winning football team at the Athens 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, acted as Head of Sport and Competition for the 2018 Special Olympics GB Anniversary Games in Stirling, and was Head of Delegation for Team Special Olympics GB at the Abu Dhabi 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games.
At National Office, Laura oversaw the development of the Inclusion in Action Strategy in 2021 and played a lead role in securing System Partnership Funding from Sport England in November last year, having acted as interim chief executive for nine months leading the organisation through a period of transformation.
As well as overseeing the development of the network, sports offering and lead events, Laura is currently leading discussions with the UK Government regarding the potential of undertaking a feasibility study into hosting a future Special Olympics World Summer Games.