Suki's Story

“My name’s Suki Kalirai, and I am the Chair of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. But I also have a connection to the London Youth Games. In fact, during the very first Youth Games in 1977, I was an active participant representing the London Borough of Brent – and we won the gold medal for volleyball.

I think I first observed the Games from a close distance when I was very young. As I grew older, I participated in our youth team. Eventually, I aged out of the youth requirements and began supporting the next generation. Then, for a long time, I wasn’t involved. So now, to see it all come back – and in its full glory as it approaches the 50th anniversary – is truly special.

I believe I’m a good case study of how sport can provide a pathway forward. Coming from a challenging school environment, sport served as a powerful outlet that helped me develop my personality, socialise and gain essential life skills. Many of those skills came from playing team sports – especially volleyball, where you rely on every player on the court. You simply can’t play it alone. That principle carries over into every area of life – whether it’s running teams in business, leading in the charity sector or managing any collaborative effort. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.

It’s an honour to host the Games at the Park because the atmosphere is fantastic. People can move freely, mix with the crowds and enjoy the outdoor spaces. You can really see the freedom people are experiencing – and that makes such a difference, especially compared to being in enclosed spaces. It’s fantastic that London has this brilliant facility – not just for Londoners, but for people across the UK, and even beyond. It should be celebrated and used in a positive way whenever possible.

In today’s society, young people are facing more and more challenges. The more we can offer them positive alternatives, the better. And the London Youth Games are a brilliant example of that.”