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CEO and Co-Founder Chris Wilkins awarded MBE in New Year Honours List 2023

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Sporting Memories is delighted to announce that our CEO and Co-Founder, Chris Wilkins, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to Loneliness and supporting those living with dementia the New Year Honours List 2023.

Sporting Memories was launched in 2011 to support older people, and particularly those living with long-term conditions like dementia and those experiencing loneliness; using sport to reconnect them with their peers and their local communities.

For over a decade under Chris’s continuing leadership, Sporting Memories has been dedicated to bringing older people together by providing them with a welcoming and supportive environment, and a carefully developed set of activities designed to help build confidence and improve their lives for the better.  

The organisation now has a vast network of ‘Sporting Memories’ clubs across England, Scotland and Wales, using the power of sport to engage older people through reminiscence and inclusive physical activities.

Speaking after receiving the news of his MBE, Chris reflected; “I’d really like to dedicate this award to all of the wonderful people that have been part of the Sporting Memories journey over the past 12 years – including our staff, our partners, our funders but most important of all, our incredible volunteers, club members and carers.”

“Without everyone’s contribution we wouldn’t have been able to connect with so many people in so many communities across our nations or make such a positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of older sports fans.”

From everyone at Sporting Memories, our congratulations to Chris!