For the first time, we hosted three expert speakers instead of one at our annual event to celebrate the launch of our new strategy Step It Up.
Hosted online between 1 and 3 February, each of the three lectures reflected the key theme of the strategy - that walking is for everyone, everywhere and every day.
Bronwen Thornton, CEO of Walk21, tackled the everywhere theme, exploring how we can make our towns and cities more walkable.
Bronwen delivered a brilliant summary of the work of Walk21, with global insight on walkability, measurement of walking and translating national strategies into delivery.
She was followed by Backbone CIC founder and Director Pammy Johal whose focus was on inclusion, diversity and equality and how we all can take steps to involve everyone in activity.
Pammy spoke passionately about her personal experiences and of her groundbreaking work bringing wider access to the outdoors to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups.
Our Expert Lecture Series ended with Lisa O'Keefe, Director of Insight at Sport England whose presentation was around challenging social norms to build physical activity into everyday life.
Lisa gave delegates an inspirational insight into the challenges and research behind the impactful This Girl Can campaign.
Kevin Lafferty, our CEO said:
All three speakers have inspired and motivated us with their presentations, fantastic stories and personal journeys.
The purpose of these lectures was to share knowledge and increase awareness and understanding of topics related to physical activity including walking, wheeling and cycling.
We know that walking is the most accessible and inclusive type of physical activity.
Over the course of these three lectures, our speakers have given us constructive ideas, they've challenged us, they've challenged social norms and they've also exposed us to new ideas.
I want to thank all our speakers, our Board members who chaired the lectures, and everyone who attended this special event.
Watch Bronwen Thornton's lecture, or to view the presentation, click here.
To view Lisa O'Keefe's presentation, click here.
To listen to the podcast episode 'Expert Lecture Series: The Highlights' click here. In this episdoe, we share the highlights and key learning from our Expert speakers about how to empower communities to walk.