Meet the CYSDP Members – Richard Loat
April 19The Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group (CYSDP) has grown tremendously within the past year, adding a number of new team members from across the multicultural Commonwealth. While you may be aware of the CYSDP’s mission and vision, it’s important to know who our members are. Every month we’ll introduce a CYSDP member to give you a deeper insight into the lives of youth leaders and practitioners in Sport for Development and Peace (SDP). This month, the spotlight is on Mr Richard Loat, who works with Laureus Sport for Good.
Tell us about yourself and the work that you do.
I’m a collaborater and a connecter. I help unlock new funding for the sport for development sector and build international relationships for those doing innovative work through sport. Right now I’m focusing on driving new funding and opportunities within S4D in India and have worked in sport philanthropy in North America for many years.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in the SDP sector?
I’ve been fortunate to do a lot in SDP but nothing has been as rewarding as the opportunities to work on the ground and inspire youth. Through Laureus, just before the T20 World Cup in India, we were able to take legendary cricketer Rahul Dravid into a slum to visit kids. It was the first time anything of the sort had been attempted and the look on the kids faces when a hero of theirs arrived was why working in SDP is worth every second.
How has your involvement in the CYSDP enhanced your work?
Working with CYSDP has allowed us to start creating really unique connections between S4D organisations across the world. The Commonwealth has a wealth of talent and individuals that are keen to use the power of sport to change the world. CYSDP is the opportunity to help catalyse the work they’re doing and I thrive in the role of the catalyst.
Follow Richard on Twitter at @richardloat
For more information on CYSDP, visit us at:
Website – http://www.yourcommonwealth.org/cysdp/
Facebook – Commonwealth Youth Sport for Development and Peace Working Group
Twitter – @CommYouthSDP
