Former Welsh international rugby player, Gareth Thomas, will be a keynote speaker for Elite Sports Expo, the UK’s leading event for human performance, Thought Leaders’ Conference which takes place at ExCeL London on May 8-9, 2019.
The “in conversation” style talk will be chaired by former Olympian and expert in the field of sports and exercise science, Greg Whyte OBE, as he and Thomas share first-hand their experiences of what it takes to compete successfully at an elite level and the realities of life after sport. Thomas will also explore the importance of sport and physical activity for health and mental wellbeing, while sharing his views on diversity and acceptance in sport.
The impressive Thought Leaders Conference line-up also includes a keynote address from Mark ‘Dot’ Perkins, Invictus Games Team UK Captain, interviewed by Professor Robert Copeland, Professor of Physical Activity and Health at Sheffield Hallam’s Centre for Sport & Exercise Science. Dot will be speaking in depth about his inspirational story, having served 11 years in the British Army before his career was cut short due to incurring life-changing injuries.
Joining Thomas and Dot at the Thought Leaders’ Conference, sponsored by PayAsUGym, include leading industry names such as Professor Dame Sally Davies, UK Government’s Chief Medical Officer, Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England Chief Executive Officer, James Sanderson, Director of Personalised Care at NHS England, Liz Nicholl, Chief Executive at UK Sport, Nigel Walker, National Director at English Institute of Sport, Dr Mike Loosemore MBE, Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine at English Institute of Sport, Dr Simon Kemp, Medical Services Director at the RFU and James Moore, Lead for Performance Services at Team GB and British Olympic Association.
Elite Sports Expo, of which is co-located with COPA and Elevate, is a unique forum that brings together elite sports clubs, coaches and athletes to present innovations in strength and conditioning, SAQ training, data analysis, nutrition, injury prevention and recovery.
Its 10,000 plus expected attendees have the opportunity to discuss information sharing, networking and best practice across all sports, while gaining enhanced understandings for cross sector learning, networking and discussion by connecting physical therapists with those involved in physical activity and sport.
Elite Sports Expo offers an extensive free education programme for the thousands of delegates attending with speakers presenting across its two dedicated programmes, Future Performance and Maximising Wellbeing & Performance, over the two-day event. Three interactive workshops will be facilitated by the College of Podiatry, Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists and Jing Advanced Massage Training.
Alongside the speaker programme, Elite Sports Expo boasts an impressive range of exhibitors showcasing their latest performance equipment, technical innovations and research for performance and sport scientists. Featured exhibitors include Concept 2, Eleiko, Keiser, Active Edge, Origin Fitness, Jordan, Power Plate, Cranlea, Matrix, Wattbike, ROCKTAPE, Stages Cycling, miha bodytec and WOODWAY.
The lead supporters for the 2019 human performance event play a crucial role in creating engaging content for the Elite Sport Expo programme of seminars and workshops. These supporters include UK Sport, British Association of Sport Rehabilitators, England Rugby, The Football Association, English Institute of Sport, The College of Podiatry, ESSNA, Institute of Sport, Exercise & Health, Jing Advanced Massage Training, National Institute of Dance Medicine and Science, Physios in Sport, Sports Therapy Association and UKSCA.
Max Quittenton, founder and director of Elevate, said: “With his wealth of experience reaching the boundaries of elite level, it is without hesitation to say we are honoured to welcome Gareth Thomas to Elite Sports Expo.
“Increasing numbers of athletes are actively seeking the secrets behind reaching their full potential. Gareth’s knowledge and experience at the highest level will provide attendees with invaluable tips in doing this while heightening the importance of sport and physical activity for health and mental wellbeing.”
To find out more about the full programme for the conference and seminars, and to register for a free place, visit www.elevatearena.com
