Geoff Thompson is one of the leading youth activists and experts in sports development and politics with over 25 years experience in the bidding and hosting and legacy of major games and the positive impact of sport and the arts in the social and human development of young people and communities. He is Founder and Executive Chair of the Youth Charter (www.youthcharter.org), a UK registered charity and United Nations accredited Non Governmental Organisation established in 1993.
Geoff has written and contributed to a number of publications, articles and theses on the subject of sport for social and human development for peace. He has also established a reputation within the academic world advising, presenting and lecturing to educational establishments.
Geoff is a former five times World Karate Champion and holder of over 50 national and international titles and has been inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Geoff was honoured in 1995 in the Queens New Year’s Honours list with an M.B.E. for his services to sport. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has been awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Law by Roehampton University, an Honorary Fellowship of the University of Lancashire, an Honorary Doctorate of Education by Manchester Metropolitan University and an honorary degree, Doctor of Letters by the University of Wolverhampton.
