Throughout his time as CEO Kellett has led a number of changes across the organisation and sport including the rebuilding of the organisation’s reputation and governance practice pre-COVID and major strengthening of and investment into safeguarding and integrity practice, making the sport safer and welcoming for all.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit the sport hard and Kellett played a key role in keeping the organisation stable during unprecedented social and economic challenges, making the case for more support in our Return To Play phase to bring basketball back.
Kellett remembers the period as challenging but one of great connection with the membership as the organisation worked hard together to overcome the pandemic impact. This was a remarkable period in everyone's lives and basketball became a source of energy and a beacon of hope.
Post-recovery, BE continued to grow, in participation and competition terms, and it was a proud moment for everyone in the game when England enjoyed unprecedented success with a gold and silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
More recent developments have led to an important innovation for public funding, with UK Sport and Sport England investing jointly for the first time into a sport, as Basketball England and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) submitted a unified Pathway Plan for Basketball and clinched financial support which will unfold in the next four years.
“It has been an honour and privilege to be CEO of Basketball England. I am grateful to the organisation for giving me this opportunity. I am also extremely grateful to my team, the regions and the thousands of members, parents and guardians I have had the pleasure of working with and for. The sport of basketball, and how it can support people’s life chances, is unique. I have met thousands of amazing people who care so much about helping others. Every day I have tried to recognise this and provide the same energy and support in good times and challenging times.
“I would like to personally thank the whole team at Basketball England for their hard work, resilience and dedication to this great sport of ours, and all the regional and local volunteers, coaches, officials, committee members, welfare officers, clubs, academies and many more who make basketball happen. I would also like to thank all our partners and especially, Sport England, the National Lottery, Youth Sport Trust, NBA, Manchester City Council, Birmingham City Council, London Mayor’s Office, education and community partners, and sponsors, the BBF and Home Country Associations for their support and investment.”
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Stewart for all his hard work and dedication to the sport over the last nine years and we wish him all the best for the future.”
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