Buckingham Palace to host Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic coaches in special celebration

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of UK Coaching, will host the event on 22nd October. The event will celebrate the dedication of coaches who have supported British athletes on their sporting journey, from the recent Paris 2024 Summer Games, looking forward to Milan/Cortina 2026 and then LA 2028. 

The prestigious event, organised in partnership with UK Coaching and UK Sport, aims to recognise the vital role that coaches play in enabling and supporting British athletes achieve success on the world stage. Not only have athlete and coach partnerships inspired the nation and captured our hearts throughout major championships, but they provide the critical ingredient to enable athletes to deliver extraordinary sporting performances. 

UK Coaching also continues to represent coaches across all sport and physical activities and at all levels – maintaining the vital support in place to ensure coaches are “treated as people too,” to help them continue to develop and provide the best possible support to their athletes or participants. 

Following a remarkable Paris Olympic Games and on the eve of the Paralympic Games, this celebration provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the monumental efforts of the coaches who have supported British athletes and helped create unforgettable sporting moments.

From Aston Moore embracing an elated Katarina Johnson-Thompson as she gave everything for her first Olympic medal to Scott Hann’s unwavering support to an emotional Max Whitlock as he completed his final routine - coaches have helped inspire the nation this summer and will continue to change the lives of future athletes at the Paralympics, Winter Games and beyond. 

“Coaches play a vital role in creating the right environment and culture for the people they coach to thrive. We remain committed to advocating for coaches, ensuring they receive the guidance, development and support they need to be their best. This moment in time is as much for every volunteer and grassroots coach, the foundation of our fantastic coaching workforce and who have themselves played an invaluable role, often at the very start of an athlete’s journey.”

“We believe that the UK benefits from being home to some of the best coaches in the world, and we feel it’s important to champion and celebrate their dedication and hard work in supporting British athletes and their sports. What an incredible way to do so at Buckingham Palace. 

“We remain grateful for the extraordinary support our sports, teams and athletes continue to receive from the public, The National Lottery and the government which helps power the very important team behind the team.”