World Wheelchair Rugby are announcing the planned exit of the CEO, Steve Griffiths. Steve was appointed in April 2020 with the expectation of an 18 – 24 month tenure. It is a reflection of Steve’s character and work ethic that he has ended up moving on after two and a half years.
Steve was appointed during the start of an organisational restructuring with the overarching aim to make WWR a world leader in Para sport.
This was at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic, ensuring that the majority of Steve’s time involved was achieved through operating virtually and remotely.
WWR President, Richard Allcroft said “there has been significant changes since Steve started in the role. One of these was creating a culture within WWR to empower our volunteer staff to deliver the operational plan by taking more responsibility and providing the appropriate authority to deliver projects within the sport. Our volunteers have phenomenal skills and are committed to wheelchair rugby and this change in culture has developed more capacity and empowered individuals to create new ideas and ways of working within the often difficult landscape of the Paralympic Movement.
On behalf of WWR, I would like to thank Steve for his commitment, energy and good nature when working on behalf of wheelchair rugby.”
Steve has been a long-time friend of wheelchair rugby, becoming involved over 12 years ago during his time at World Rugby as Head of Technical Services. Steve has delivered and facilitated strategic planning sessions during this time with the last one run as a consultant at Rugby House, Dublin in May 2019.
Steve said, “It has been an honour and a privilege to work with WWR for the last two and a half years with WWR in some difficult and on occasion challenging times. I would like to thank the President and the Board for their support. A special thanks to the volunteer Heads of function and the many people that support them in delivering a wonderful sport. Additionally, without the Members delivering the sport within their countries we would not have the quality competitions that so many admire, a big thank you. Remember Here to Win ……”
Steve will be moving on to focus on his retirement and consultancy work.