Programme Origin and David's Vision
In 2005 London won the opportunity to host the 2012 Olympic Games. Dr David Hemery CBE, Vice Chairman of the British Olympic Association and Olympic Gold Medallist, has long had a passion for developing young people, having written the book 'How to help children find the champion within themselves'. David saw the potential to drive an educational legacy using the 2012 Games as a catalyst.
One picture painted in Britain at that time was of many young people lacking aspirations; some involved in abuse of alcohol or drugs, some engaged in low level violence or just poor behaviour. The statistics also showed that teenage pregnancies were amongst the highest in Europe. However, David's philosophy and instincts suggested that young people have great potential and with the right support could be a credit to themselves and the communities in which they live.
At age fourteen David was only six stone in weight and being dyslexic had only learned to read at the age of 10. As he often says this was not a great start if you wanted to be an Olympic Champion, World record holder and lifelong educationalist. However this experience prompted him to ask young people never to under-estimate what they might achieve.
Aged twelve David was inspired by a race at the White City Stadium when the Great Britain runner Chris Chataway beat Vladimir Kutz in a new World record time. David decided that he wanted to be an Olympian. With a clear vision, huge determination and hard work he achieved his dream. Standing on the podium in Mexico he asked himself "Why me?". Ever since he has researched and successfully taught how to reach outstanding performance in business, sport and education. His overriding philosophy is that there is a spark of greatness in everyone and the difference between mediocrity and success lies in the area of enhanced awareness of our goals and dreams and a choice to take personal responsibility for achieving them.
Having spent thirty years helping senior leaders in business to achieve greater success, through enhanced coaching/facilitation skills, David wanted to bring these same skills to the world of education. With young people today being able to 'Google' more than any of us can ever know, the need for enhanced facilitation skills has become glaringly apparent. With this personal understanding and with the 2012 games as a catalyst he wanted to share his passion for supporting young peoples' dreams.
David established the Charity, 21st Century Legacy, with the assistance of Les Duggan and Mark Solomons. David and Les wrote the initial Be the Best you can Be! schools' programme in order to challenge and support the hearts and minds of young people so they can choose to develop their potential to the full. Olympians, as role models, kick start each school launch and bring the 'achievement of dreams' into the curriculum. This launch is followed by themes designed to help young people discover the skills they need to follow their dreams and to begin their own successful journey.
