Thomas Gillman: Breaking the Wall of Access to Sports Facilities

The Smaller Island States of the Pacific have limited access to quality sports facilities that could provide community wellbeing, economic opportunities
through sports tourism and professional roles associated with sport, and in a climate-friendly manner. A climate neutral high performance training facility could provide income and professional opportunities, while also supporting sustainable development ambitions of the country it is located.

Thomas completed his PhD at the National Centre for Research on Europe exploring the private sector’s role in sustainable development in the Smaller Island States. Currently, Thomas is working in meaningful refugee participation while also developing a model of sustainable tourism designed to support tourism operators to embed sustainability. Thomas has a strong background in research in cross-cultural settings, participatory philanthropy and community- led development. He is passionate about sports and believes that sport can play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development.