Busy week for Foundation’s PlayMakers
Palace for Life Foundation’s PlayMakers have continued to use their knowledge and expertise to provide a range of opportunities for young south Londoners, helping at three separate events over the past week.
Emma Wright works at Hill + Knowlton Strategies, one of the biggest PR agencies in the world, and has led international PR campaigns for brands including Adidas and Facebook. Although she is now considered one of the leading experts in the industry on sports marketing, Emma was bullied at both primary and secondary school for playing ‘boys’ sports’ and for being a high achiever academically. Emma believes it is important that children going to secondary school today have confidence in what makes them different, and celebrate differences in others.
She recently visited two local primary schools – Bandon Hill Meadow Field and The Avenue Primary Academy – to speak to year sixes about making the leap to secondary school, and how to prepare for it. This is part of the Foundation’s new Transition Window programme, which aims to help primary school children across south London as they transition to a new school.
Emma spoke positively about her involvement with the schools:
“I’m very lucky to have a job I love now, working at Hill + Knowlton’s sports and entertainment team on brands like Adidas, Activision and Oculus. But when I went to secondary school I found it really tough. Not many girls played football or basketball and I was singled out as different, but in fact, those passions and my hard work have led to me getting a very successful career now.
“I can’t go back to secondary school and tell myself that things are going to get better, but I hope that the year 6 students I spoke with this morning now feel confident that what makes them different is something to be celebrated not ashamed of.”
Other PlayMakers have also recently had an impact in the local community. Director of Operations at London Sport, Angus Robertson, delivered a workshop on opportunities within the sports and leisure sector to participants on the Foundation’s College Academy programmes.
Professional photographer Jan Podsiadly took pictures at the Foundation’s Play at Palace event, which helped to raise £11,000 for the Foundation to help young south Londoners.
See the full list of Palace for Life PlayMakers here
If you are interested in becoming a PlayMaker, or for more information, please contact DonaldForde@palaceforlife.org