A Coventry legend believes the city is entering one of the most exciting periods in its history – and has called on the business community to play a full part.
David Moorcroft, former 5,000 metre world record holder – who went on to be the chief executive of UK Athletics, believes UK City of Culture 2021 and European City of Sport 2019 should leave a lasting legacy for Coventry.
Moorcroft, who also founded Coventry Sports Foundation, helped lead the successful bid for Coventry to be European City of Sport for 2019.
He made the call as he addressed more than 180 business leaders that had gathered at St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry for the bi-monthly Coventry and Warwickshire Champions meeting, where he highlighted the link between the two crucial events for the city.
He said: “We need to grow a new feeling of positivity and diversity in Coventry and both the European City of Sport and City of Culture are the perfect way to do this by showcasing the best of culture and sport in the region.
“Sport naturally brings communities together and to be able to celebrate Coventry and Warwickshire in this way is something that everyone needs to be involved in. Businesses and leaders need to help aid this showcase of our area to encourage the development of the wider community.
“We need to showcase how our community is founded on the sports and culture that brings it all together and with City of Culture and City of Sport being so close together we can really celebrate this in the region.”
Moorcroft’s views were echoed by the recently-appointed Creative Director of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, Chenine Bhathena, who discussed her intentions to show the cultural diversity of Coventry and Warwickshire.
The event was concluded by Chris Gubbey, CEO of LEVC, which is producing the new electric black cab at its new £300 million plant.
Les Ratcliffe, Chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire Champions, said: “This has been our biggest event of the year to date with an impressive turnout of businesses and a wonderful historic venue at the heart of Coventry’s city centre.
“Since Champions was founded in 2012, it has continued to grow encouraging more influential businesses in the area to come together and share in what makes Coventry and Warwickshire a great place to do business.”
For more information about how to get involved contact Champions Manager Nic Erskine at nic.erskine@cwlep.com.