Princess Royal Unveils New Home of British Olympic and Paralympic Sport

Author: BOA British Olympic Association
Published: 2009/10/21
Category Topic: 2012 London Paralympics - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal officially opened the new home of British Olympic and Paralympic sport in a ceremony.

Introduction

Main Content

In a groundbreaking move, the British Olympic Association (BOA) and British Paralympic Association (BPA) will co-habit for the first time, jointly located in contemporary office space at 60 Charlotte Street, in the vibrant heart of London's West End.

With London 2012 less than three years away there has never been a more invigorating period for British Olympic sport and this move represents a step change for the BOA, following a 27 year spell based in Wandsworth, South West London. In 2008 the BOA executive board identified its antiquated office facilities as a key barrier to optimum performance in 2012 and therefore made the strategic decision to move to fully functional, centrally located offices an immediate necessity.

The focus on office functionality and an open plan layout has been carefully designed and implemented to provide a modern, dynamic working environment, reflecting the core values of the forward looking BOA and creating an impressive setting for visitors.

The great tradition and history of British Olympic and Paralympic sport has been encapsulated in several special display features around the building, including an exhibit of Olympic torches dating back to the Berlin 1936 Olympic Games.

As a service organization intent on delivering maximum added value for its membership - the 33 National Governing Bodies of British Olympic sports - the BOA offices will provide a convenient, centrally located London base for personnel from Olympic sports with hot-desks and meeting rooms for their use.

To coincide with the opening of its new offices, the BOA has also introduced updated emblems to revitalize and modernize the old BOA and Team GB emblems to ensure they reflect the values of both the BOA and Team GB going forwards.

The BOA have also sought a fresh way of encapsulating Olympism and the values of the Olympic Movement, creating an expression that is personal to the BOA - 'Better Never Stops'.

BOA Chairman Colin Moynihan commented:

"The move to Charlotte Street, and everything you see in the new offices, encompasses our fresh vision and purpose. We want to create a culture that is vibrant, a place where our staff feel motivated and inspired, and an organization that is dynamic and forward-thinking. In the timeless words of the Olympic Movement: Faster, Higher, Stronger."

BOA Chief Executive Andy Hunt said:

"Today marks a special moment for the British Olympic Association and represents a step change in our development into a modern, dynamic organization.

It is fantastic to bring the interests of British Olympic and Paralympic sport under one roof and we are delighted to work side-by-side with the British Paralympic Association.

We hope the ability to open our doors and welcome personnel from the Olympic Sports to use the excellent facilities available at Charlotte Street will prove to be of great benefit."