New WFSGI physical activity Chairperson

Ostermundigen – Switzerland, Oct 17, 2014: The World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) is pleased to announce that Mandy Ayres, Senior Director Access to Sport – Europe, Nike Inc., has been appointed new Chairperson for the WFSGI Physical Activity (PA) Committee. She succeeds Lisa MacCallum who stepped out of the VP Access for Sport leadership at Nike recently.

Mandy Ayres is part of the Global Access to Sport Leadership Team established within Nike in 2011 to break the cycle of physical inactivity that has gripped the World.

She started as the Corporate Responsibility manager for Nike UK nine years ago. Her role extended to manage the South African CR team through the 2010 World Cup and before joining the new Global Access to Sport team she was leading work within Europe and South Africa in Nike’s Sustainable Business and Innovation global team.

“Physical inactivity has reached epidemic proportions and is growing at an alarming rate. It poses a major threat to the health, happiness and prosperity of individuals, communities, and nations. We know that companies, governments and other organizations from across all sectors of the economy have to work together to turn this situation around. The Sporting Goods Industry has a unique role to play regarding increasing levels of activity and participation in sports. The WFSGI Physical Activity Committee coordinates this work and ensures that the Sporting Goods Industry continues to be internationally recognized as a leader in the field. I am delighted to be the Committee’s new Chair,” said Mandy Ayres.

Mandy is based in London and brings in huge experience in PA and sport advocacy. She also leads the PA activities for the industry at EU level (at Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry – FESI) and will bring in important synergies.

Prior to Nike, Mandy worked for 13 years in the public and third sectors developing community sport and health strategies within and in partnership with business and government.

About the WFSGI Physical Activity Committee
The WFSGI Physical Activity Committee was formed in 2013 to coordinate the industry’s response to the global physical inactivity crisis. The Committee’s mission is to promote physical activity and sport as a sustainable solution for a healthier society. Its key areas of work include:
• Supporting global, regional and national level advocacy work to promote physical activity and sport;
• Working with the UN Agencies and other multi-lateral organisations to ensure that tackling the physical inactivity crisis is a global political priority;
• Providing a global forum for WFSGI members to share best practice on approaches that increase participation in sport and physical activity. —- WFSGI