Philanthropy

London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) Diversity Board
John is a member of the diversity board along with four other professionals and former athletes along with the CEO of the London 2012 games. This board is responsible for setting strategy for procurement, recruitment and standards for every employee, supplier and volunteer for the 2012 Olympic games effort.
London 2012 Website

Amnesty International
John became a sporting ambassador for Amnesty International prior to the 2008 Beijing games. He has since gone on to become a full ambassador, working with Amnesty on a wide spectrum of human rights issues across the globe.

“In early 2008, John Amaechi agreed to become Amnesty International’s Olympic Ambassador. It was a groundbreaking arrangement – the first time Amnesty had created such a role. It also saw Amnesty have a presence in China for the first time in years. John’s reports before the Games helped highlight a number of significant human rights concerns Amnesty has with the Chinese authorities. And his blogs and work from Beijing itself ensured that the human rights agenda was never far away from the spotlight. This successful arrangement helped improve Amnesty’s relationship with leading sports organisations in the UK and following the conclusion of the Games, John’s role with Amnesty has widened. Now an Amnesty ambassador, he is working closely with Amnesty on various issues including gay, lesbian and bisexual rights and is continuing to help ensure the world of sport follows a human rights ethos.”
Niall Couper
Press Officer, Amnesty International UK
Amnesty International Website

Disabled Sports Events (DSE) & the English Federation of Disability Sports (EFDS)
John is the President of DSE and the vice-President of EFDS. Ever since attending the DSE youth games in 2004, John has been hooked on these organisations that support grass roots and paralympian athletes.

"John has been involved in our work since 2003, when he attended our Open Athletics Championships in Birmingham. At the time "Meech" was still playing in the States, but found time to support our work with disabled sports people.

Since then John has been an active supporter, attending many events to inspire the youngsters. John later became DSE's President and we were more than happy to be represented by someone people actually listened to! He has a great talent of relating to every person in the room and using every day stories, which draw the audience in.

It has been a privilege to have known John on a professional and personal level for so many years. I hope we get to work together on many more
occasions."
Sarah Marl
Disability Sports Events
Disability Sports Website