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Sports Manager  Duncan

“ In Beijing we celebrated with gold medals round our necks! ”
Who?

Duncan, 30

My job
I’m the sports operations manager for wheelchair rugby, boccia and shooting, with the GB Paralympic team.
Done much travelling?
I've been all over the place! The best trip so far was Beijing for the 2008 Paralympics.
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My best bits

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  • At the Boccia World Championships last week, one of our guys beat the world number one from Portugal on his way to the final!
    thu, 17 jun 10
  • About 400,000 people have signed up for tickets for the 2012 Paralympics in London!
    wed, 05 may 10
  • It’s quite busy at the moment – it’s the middle of competition season. The Boccia World Championship team was selected last week!
    wed, 24 mar 10
  • At a reception with the Queen we met Gordon Brown, whose hand I shook twice - I don't think he remembered the first time!
    mon, 18 jan 10
  • Studying was never really my thing - I much prefer learning on the job by being face-to-face with people.
    mon, 18 jan 10
  • The GB Paralympic Shooting Team have come back from the World Championships in Poland with some medals!
    tue, 06 apr 10
  • The 2010 Winter Paralympic Games started this week – check out Eurosport to see how Team GB have been getting on
    wed, 17 mar 10

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CloseWho?

Duncan, 30

What do you do?
I organise the athletes' travel, transport, kit, catering, insurance and much more, so they can concentrate on training and competing.
Done much travelling?
I've been all over the place! The best trip so far was Beijing for the 2008 Paralympics.
Why did you go for this job?
I'm passionate about sport and after doing research into disability in sport I decided this would be the job for me. I’ve worked my way up by being hands-on and now I've got a chance to help the athletes win gold at London 2012. It’s brilliant.
How did you learn the skills you use?
My skills have been acquired mostly by on-the-job learning. When I started I knew nothing about Paralympic sport but now I’m an expert.
What have you improved on since taking the role?
I've learnt how to communicate better and also that if you have new ideas which you feel could make a difference, don't be afraid to share them.
What do you love most about the job?
I get to wear Great Britain on my back and I'm proud to be part of that team. Seeing all the hard work that everyone puts in pay off with success is an absolute highlight.
What’s your coolest work-related story?
In Beijing, I proposed to my now wife in the Paralympic Village and on the same day the GB Boccia squad won gold. The best day of my life!
What does it feel like to be part of the London Paralympic games in 2012?
It's the be-all and end-all. I also can’t wait for the public to learn boccia.
What's your next goal?
During the next two and half years we've got a chance to make a big difference. Paralympic sport is every bit as competitive as able-bodied sport. We want to be able to show people that.
Any brushes with fame?
In 2008 we had a reception with the Queen and we also met Gordon Brown, whose hand I shook twice - I don't think he remembered the first time!
If you could have learned anything different at school, what would have helped?
There should be time management and good communication lessons at school! I need those skills a lot in the work I do.
Got any advice for a teenager who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Be prepared to go in at the bottom of an organisation, serve your apprenticeship and learn the skills you need to work your way up.
CloseWho?

Duncan, 30

What is Boccia all about?  Harry, Milton Keynes
It’s a sport similar to boules. You have a target (called a jack) and the idea is to get your ball closer to the jack than your opponent. It’s for some of the most severely disabled athletes, like guys with cerebral palsy.
Hi, I am wondering if you would be able to come to BSix college in Hackney to speak about your job, and prospects for our sports students, if you have the time? Thank you, Sarah Senior Sports Facilitator  Sarah Kerrigan
Hi Sarah. If you pop your email address and details in the question box at the bottom of my page, I'll get back to you. Thanks!
Do you think the Paralympics will be a big success in London?  Tommy Boon
It will be massive! Honestly, I think the public are going to be enthralled by what they see from the athletes.
Can a youngster do what you do?  Ricky, 17
There's no reason why not! But like any job you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Hands-on experience can't be bought...
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