The Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF) is delighted to announce that Samuel Remi-Akinwale has joined the DMSF board of trustees as the Children and Young People Representative at the tender age of just 15.
This appointment follows in the tradition of previous DMSF participants playing an important strategic role in the organisation’s development, including Josh Oguntayo and Awadh Mohammed.
Samuel is a student at Manchester Academy, a mixed 11-16 school, based in Moss Side, Greater Manchester. He’s taken part in the DMSF programme three times a week, impressively not missing a single meeting since he joined in 2012. Officially graduating from the programme in 2013, Samuel is still an influential participant and his leadership skills and focused thinking is an inspiration to the entire team.
The DMSF is a charity set up by Diane Modahl to give young people across Greater Manchester access to world class coaching and coaches, who support and mentor future champions.
CEO Diane commented: “He is an incredible young man whose single-mindedness and dedication is rarely seen in boys of his age. Samuel was delighted when DMSF presented an opportunity for him to personally interview Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council. He has never shied away from any opportunities that have been presented to him as part of the DMSF programme and has in fact created a number of opportunities of his own, including fundraising initiatives, team events and the opportunity to interview politicians”.
Chair, Michael Colin, added: “The decision to appoint such a young trustee has not caused any concern to the board. I’m happy for Samuel to inform our strategy discussion and offer support where necessary to allow his experience and leadership skills at this level to develop. Samuel’s age is of little significance as we believe his experience as initially a participant with the foundation will contribute to the development of future organisational strategy and challenge the boards’ thinking to ensure that we’re reacting to the needs of our children and young people.”
Samuel concluded: “My real aim is to become a revolutionist – someone who changes the world. It’s DMSF that has given me the opportunity so I want to make sure I try my best. I’m going to give my all as the Children and Young People Representative and am very honoured to have been offered this opportunity.”
