After nearly nine years of dedicated service, Annabel Sykes, the first Chair and long-standing Director of Power2Inspire, has officially retired from her role.
Annabel played an instrumental role in shaping the charity’s operations, from its early days to its current standing as a leading charity promoting inclusive sports.
Annabel’s journey with Power2Inspire began in 2015 when she was invited onto the board by her long-time colleague and friend, John, the charity’s founder. Both Annabel and John share a history from their days at Cambridge University, where they both studied law. Having started the charity in 2013, John recognised the valuable insight and energy Annabel could bring, especially as Power2Inspire transitioned from an idea into action.
Annabel was there for some of the charity’s pivotal moments, including the very first Games2Inspire event at Kings College School in Cambridge, where the charity’s tagline was coined: “Rule number 1: to have fun!”.
Her tenure as Chair of the Board ran from October 2015 to October 2019, after which Jeremy Macklin succeeded her in the role. However, she remained a director until her official departure on 3rd September 2024, marking just shy of nine years of service, the maximum allowed under the charity’s governance structure.
Annabel’s contributions extend far beyond leadership titles. She played a critical role in establishing the charity’s operational structure, governance protocols, and securing various trademarks for Power2Inspire. One of her legacies is the phrase “No one left on the bench”—a reflection of our commitment to ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in and enjoy the power of sport.
Throughout her time with Power2Inspire, Annabelle attended countless events, including PowerHouseGames, Festival of Inclusive Sports, and our iconic SuperSensory Inclusive Kilometres. Her presence at these events wasn’t just as an observer but as a tireless advocate and organiser, often contributing behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. She was also instrumental in building key relationships, such as with Jennifer Crompton, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, who helped extend the charity’s network and reach.
John, founder of Power2Inspire, expressed deep gratitude for Annabelle’s unwavering commitment:
“I have truly valued Annabelle’s support, her enthusiasm for our cause, and her willingness to attend so many of our events. Her organisational abilities have been incredible and have left a lasting mark on the charity.”
Though Annabel has now stepped down from her formal role, her impact continues. She remains involved with the charity as a volunteer, continuing to support Power2Inspire’s mission to promote inclusion and accessibility in sports.
Power2Inspire will forever be grateful for Annabel’s sterling service, her wisdom in supporting the charity, and her passion for making sport accessible to all. The charity is confident that her influence will be felt for years to come as they continue their work, building on the strong foundation Annabel helped to create.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. We are always looking out for people willing to fundraise for Power2Inspire through their own inspiring means. Or, you could volunteer at one of our events, or you could give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
