Q&A with Vernon Samuels OLY

Vernon represented Great Britain in the Men’s Triple Jump in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea and England at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand. He performed alongside famous British Sporting Icons including Tessa Sanderson, Linford Christie, and Kriss Akabusi. After winning a GB vs US international competition in 1992, Vernon decided to retire from athletics in pursuit of other life goals.

Vernon became involved in trying to improve the life chances for Bristol’s Black and inner-city communities and supported many projects that helped young people. Vernon is the Chair of the Renewal Choir, a community gospel choir based in Bristol that was founded by Vernon and his wife Kim in 2005. There are over 70 choir members who bring their special touch to various civic engagements, festivals, community and social events in and around the South West of England. The choir has performed in many events including BBC National Music Day, Leona Lewis’ UK Tour and the Bristol Harbour Side Festival. Vernon and Kim are also members of the Kingdom Choir who performed at the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Megan Markle.

Vernon also works part-time for YoungMinds, the UK's leading mental health charity for young people under 25. In his role as a Parent Engagement Officer, Vernon helps the organisation better serve the Parents/Carers of Black, Asian and minoritised young people who are currently underserved by the available excellent support from the Parents Helpline.

Join us at 11am for our Q&A with Vernon, after our walk and talk around the Seat Unique Stadium with fellow members and complimentary teas and biscuits at 10am.

For full details on what to expect from a Walkers & Talkers session, please visit our About Uspage.