British Esports appoints Olympic swimmer as co-vice chair

The British Esports Federation, headquartered in Sunderland, has appointed former Olympic swimmer Alice Dearing as its new co-vice chair.

Alice, who became the first black woman to swim for Team GB at an Olympic Games when she competed at Tokyo 2020, joins the senior leadership team after serving on the federation’s advisory board since 2022.

A former junior world champion and diversity advocate, she is also co-founder of the Black Swimming Association and has been recognised for her work promoting equality and inclusion across sport.

In her new role, Alice will support British Esports as it continues to grow the sector nationally, following recent partnerships and ahead of the opening of the British Arena in Sunderland later this year.

Alice said: “Gaming and esports has been such an important part of my life from an early age, and I am delighted to be able to play my part in the journey British Esports is on to gain greater recognition for British esports athletes and teams. 

“From playing and coaching, to games design and development through to casting and broadcasting, esports offers an exciting career. 

“And as a former Olympian, I am incredibly excited to be working with the board and the British Esports team to build a brilliant future for esports in the UK.”

British Esports president Chester King added: “We’re delighted to welcome Alice to the British Esports team. 

“We’re honoured to have an Olympian of her stature and experience providing input into our operations and work at an important moment in our growth.

“Alice brings an incredible lens into knowing what it takes to be an elite sportsperson, her appointment tying in with our vision to elevate esports performance, for esports players and talent to receive similar levels of support and infrastructure that sports provides, in order to help them be the best they can be.

“Please welcome Alice to our team and we look forward to working together to shape esports in the UK in the future.”

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