Former Chief Crown Prosecutor and Royal Navy Commander, Nick Hawkins joins UKSA Board

The UK Sports Association is proud to announce that Nick Hawkins has joined the UK Sports Association (UKSA) Board as an independent Trustee. 

Bringing a wide variety of skills and experience from a long and illustrious career spanning 40 years, Hawkins is a Barrister, Criminal Justice Consultant, Educator, a member of the Lord Chancellor’s Advisory Committee as well as currently chairing Police Misconduct Hearings across the West Midlands.

A keen sports man, whether as participant, spectator or lawyer, Nick Hawkins is keen to combine his expertise and passion for sport to promote greater inclusion, equality, equity and recognition for athletes with intellectual impairment in sport across the UK and internationally.

Commenting on his appointment, Nick Hawkins said “It is a real honour to join UKSA as a Trustee.  I have always found sport to be a great way of meeting people from all backgrounds.  Being part of UKSA allows me to help our athletes to compete at the highest level and to fulfil their potential and I am looking forward to doing so.”

 Genevieve Gordon-Thomson, Chair UKSA said “I am a delighted with Nick Hawkins’ appointment as a trustee. Not only do I trust his judgement of sport but also his knowledge of participation and engagement through sport. Nick joining us demonstrates UKSA’s commitment to deliver its services effectively and enthusiastically supporting the athletes that we serve.”

Tracey McCillen, Chief Executive UKSA said “An outstanding appointment and one that will bring an exciting dynamic to our Board room.  Nick joins us at a challenging time as we continue to navigate the impact of the pandemic.  As we emerge and enter the recovery phase there are exciting opportunities to explore. Nick is a committed advocate for equity, equality and inclusion and I look forward to harnessing his vast knowledge and expertise in the weeks and months to come. 

UKSA wants greater recognition, for athletes with intellectual impairment targeting the Virtus Global Games alongside those athletes targeting the Paralympic Games. I am confident that Nick will help us achieve this.”

The UK Sports Association occupies a unique space within the sports sector.  UKSA is the only national disability sports organisation in the UK focussing on elite and high performance sport exclusively for people with intellectual impairment, Down syndrome and autism.

UKSA’s vision is a society where people with intellectual impairment, Down syndrome and autism to excel and achieve their full potential in the sport of their choice.

UKSA promotes, supports and facilitates talented sports people in the UK to train, compete and excel in national and international sport. UKSA is the only official Great Britain member of Virtus (formerly Inas), is responsible for the implementation and management of eligibility and classification for athletes with intellectual impairment across all sports in the UK and manages GB Teams to Virtus events.

For more information on UKSA’s work, campaigns and how you can get involved, contact UKSA on 0203 633 6460.

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Brief biography of Nick Hawkins: 

Born in Hampshire, Nick spent 22 years in the Royal Navy serving all over the world.  He then spent 15 years as a Chief Crown Prosecutor, during which time he was the national lead for sports matters, working on the London Olympics, 3 football world cups and 2 ICC competitions.  He now works as a barrister, consultant and discipline panel member. He recently completed a LLM in Sports Law and Practice and has written and lectured on hate crime in sport.

Nick has played a variety of sports at varying amateur levels.  His time in the navy gave him the chance to play all over the world and confirmed his believe that sport is a great way of making friendships and breaking down barriers.  He has completed 4 London Marathons but is now concentrating on Park Runs.

Nick is married, with two adult children and three grandchildren.  He lives in Warwickshire, but continues to support Portsmouth FC and Hampshire CCC.