Our Team
21st Century Legacy was co-founded by David Hemery and his business partner Les Duggan, supported by Mark Solomons, who has been instrumental in helping to build the charity over the last 3 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 World, European, Commonwealth and Olympic medals and celebrated further success winning BBC sports personality of the year and subsequently their superstars programme three times. While he was training for the 1968 Olympics he was completing his degree in Business Administration, following this with a Certificate of Education in Economics & RE from Oxford University and a Masters in International Education from Harvard, and finally an Educational Doctorate in Social Psychology from Boston University. For over 20 years David has been applying Olympic ideals and principles to the development of individuals, teams and organisations in both the sporting and corporate arenas through his business Developing Potential, which he also co-founded with Les Duggan..
Les Duggan
Les and David have worked together for over 10 years. They set up a leadership and development company, Developing Potential, as 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 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, 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 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
Vicky has recently joined the team and brings with her years of experience as a professional Personal Assistant, a task she performs for David, as well as providing support to Les and Mark 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
Sir Keith Mills, Deputy Chair LOCOG
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
