Our Team
21st Century Legacy was co-founded by David Hemery, his business partner Les Duggan and Mark Solomons, and together they have been instrumental in helping to build the charity over the last three years. There is a much wider team of individuals and organisations who have given an extraordinary level of support, both financially and in time given, to make this charity work.
Dr David Hemery CBE
David first came to the notice of the British public when he won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles, in a new world record time, at the1968 Mexico Olympic Games. He continued an illustrious sporting career, winning other European, Commonwealth and Olympic medals and celebrated further success winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and subsequently their Superstars programme three times. While David was training for the 1968 Olympics he completed his degree in Business Administration at Boston University. This was followed by a Certificate of Education in Economics & RE from Oxford University, a Masters in International Education from Harvard University, and finally a Doctorate in Educational Psychology from Boston University. For over twenty years David has been applying Olympic ideals and the principles of coaching and self-managed leadership with individuals, teams and organisations in both the sporting and corporate arenas, through his business, Developing Potential, which he co-founded with Les Duggan.
Les Duggan
Les and David have worked together for over ten years. As mentioned above, they set up their leadership and development company, because they shared a passion to bring the best out of individuals, teams and organisations. A former employee of Cadburys, Les developed his skills in the world of business as a Senior Sales Manager and Head of Sales Training and Development. It was his desire to share his expertise in coaching and leadership that led to the formation of the alliance with David. The opportunity to take this understanding to young people though the inspiration of the London 2012 Games, was the catalyst to establish 21st Century Legacy.
Mark Solomons
Mark joined the 21st Century Legacy team before its inception and has played a major role in ensuring that the charity moved from vision to action. With a very successful background in retail banking, more latterly as retail director at Sainsbury’s Bank, Mark is an experienced director and strategist who has totally embraced the philosophy of working with young people through engaging with them on their agenda. He also works with David and Les in Developing Potential, as well as being a director of NineteenMinutes, a company that supports working parents in making the most of their time at home and work. As a parent himself he is also active in Schools as Chair of the Billericay Community Trust, a Trust Board of fifteen local schools and is also a Governor in two schools.
Vicky Evans became the fourth member of our team and brings with her many years of experience as a Personal Assistant, a task she performs for the team in rolling out the Be the Best you can Be programme to a national audience.
Les Duggan (right) and Mark Solomons (left) whose support to David gave rise to 21st Century Legacy, pictured with Di Ellis CBE, Chairman of British Rowing
21st Century Legacy Patrons
Lord Colin Moynihan, Chairman British Olympic Association, Member of the Olympic Board (London 2012) and Director of LOCOG
Sir Keith Mills, Deputy Chairman LOCOG and Chair of Trustees Inspired by Sport Foundation
Dame Mary Peters, Olympic Gold medallist and Queen’s Representative Belfast
21st Century Legacy Ambassadors
Ade Adepitan MBE Anna Hemmings
Steve Backley OBE Ben Hunt-Davis MBE
Darren Campbell OBE Mark Hunter MBE
James Cracknell OBE Tom James MBE
Danny Crates Katharine Merry
Lynn Davies CBE Peter Reed MBE
Katherine Grainger MBE Leon Taylor
Andy Hodge MBE Gregor Townsend MBE
"...what I have seen of this programme, both from the Olympian launch and also the work that has gone on since, is our children actually being inspired."
Jan Shadick, Principal, Swindon Academy
