Kim Mejnert Frydensbjerg, Head of Events – Wonderful Copenhagen
Jules Merrison, Director of Impact – Invictus Games Birmingham 2027
Gorkem Donmez, General Manager – Gloria Sports Arena
Hugo Inglis, Founder –High Impact Athletes
“We see ourselves as an event destination,” Kim Mejnert Frydensbjerg said of Copenhagen. “It is a means of bringing joy to all our citizens.”
Jules Merrison preferred not to think in terms of legacy for the city of Birmingham after next year’s Invictus Games. “The term legacy isn’t for us. We’re not trying to transform districts. It is about talking in terms of impact, nudging the dial on lots of things.”
Gorkem Donmez saw legacy as something the athletes can give each other, in terms of inspiring future generations.
Hugo Inglis agreed, stating that athletes don’t think in terms of legacy, particularly during the hard work of training, but it is their performances in the “months of magic, at the Olympics” that inspire people around the world.
Merrison talked of the importance of evidence-based plans. “Find the evidence of need in our community.” Organisations must ask: “What is your theory of change?” She talked of the benefits of: “Front loading your social impact programme. It means you can evaluate it.”
Frydensbjerg emphasised the importance of collaboration in staging successful events. “All interests of the city, the sponsors and rights holders need to be met.”
For many wounded soldiers their rehabilitation in the UK starts in Birmingham. “Birmingham wasn’t chosen at random for the Invictus Games in 2027,” Merrison said. “The impact has to focus on our beneficiaries: the wounded, injured and sick.” But she said the Games must also deliver social value for the local community, such as through procurement and recruitment decisions.
A question from the audience provoked an interesting closing discussion. “Does sport need to be held to other people’s perceptions of what it should be changing?”
“We work with hundreds of athletes,” Inglis said. “Helping them to do good in the world.” He outlined their efforts to educate athletes without shoehorning them into areas.
“We should work for the future,” Donmez said.
“Ambition has to be attached to reality, your resource and your time frame,” Merrison said. “Where you fit into the eco system is really important. Be really clear about the measurable outcomes.”