A FORMER Governor of the Bank of England has praised the development of inclusive sport at the University of Worcester as ‘extremely impressive’.
Lord Mervyn King recently visited the University of Worcester Arena to launch his new book, The End of Alchemy – which argues for fundamental changes to the financial system in order to reduce the risk of a new crisis – and speak about his passion for sport.
During the event, Lord King was interviewed by Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, about his book and his work as President of Worcestershire County Cricket Club (WCCC)
Lord King is also the President of the ‘Chance to Shine’ foundation, which has helped reverse a decline in cricket in state schools and brought the sport to two million more youngsters over the past 10 years.
WCCC is currently working with the University and Chance to Shine to create a new inclusive cricket centre adjacent to the University of Worcester Arena.
The centre will provide facilities for the club’s elite athletes and will also provide specialist facilities for blind and disability cricket.
“What is being done here is fantastic. This new facility will symbolise the amazing work being done by WCCC and the University of Worcester to make cricket truly inclusive,” said Lord King.
“Sport has always been very important to me.
“When I was a young man, those with a disability were given no opportunity to engage in sport, but we have come a very long way since then and particularly since the London 2012 Paralympics,” he added.
Prof Green said: “It was a pleasure and an honour to welcome Lord King to the University and to have the opportunity to discuss our current and future developments.
“We’re very excited about the plans being developed with WCCC and the potential for developing inclusive cricket for women and men of all abilities.”
