Gemma has been an integral part of the DSW core team since 2017, when she moved from her DSW Development Officer (DSWDO) role in Ceredigion County Council to take up the position of Performance Pathway Senior Officer for DSW. She was recently appointed into the role of Head of Active Pathways within DSW, but just couldn’t ignore the superb opportunity to lead the Sports Partnership in Mid Wales.
Fiona Reid, CEO for Disability Sport Wales said “Gemma has always been a passionate advocate for inclusive physical activity (including sport) in Mid Wales. She has been instrumental in generating inclusive organisational change in Ceredigion County Council which resulted in some fantastic provision, many talented young disabled athletes, and a reputation as someone who makes a difference.
“Gemma takes with her a huge amount of knowledge and experience, but more than that she embodies a passion and commitment to genuinely bring opportunities for physical activity to people’s lives. She has left her mark on DSW, and everyone she has connected to throughout her time with us; and whilst we are incredibly sad to see her go, we are more excited for her future and the partnerships she will bring to life for the benefit of the communities of Mid Wales.”
Gemma will begin her new role with the Mid Wales Sports Partnership in January 2025 and become the leader of the third sports partnership in Wales to be established. On behalf of the whole team and board at DSW, we wish Gemma llongyfarchiadau and all the very best for her new post.
Mid Wales Sports Partnership announcement:
The Mid Wales Sports Partnership has today announced the appointment of its first ever Regional Director. Gemma Cutter is to take up the role in January, having spent the last 20 years working in Wales’ sports sector.
Gemma, who lives in Tregaron, will lead the new organisation which covers Ceredigion and Powys and will engage with existing and new stakeholders and partners, driving innovative and collaborative partnerships.
"I’m thrilled to be appointed as the first Regional Director of the Mid Wales Partnership. It’s an incredible opportunity to help drive positive change and make a lasting difference across our beautiful region."
"Physical activity plays a powerful role in enhancing wellbeing, and through this partnership, we’ll strengthen regional collaboration with individuals and organisations that share our vision. At the heart of our work will be inclusion and a focus on people’s abilities, and I’m confident that together we can create meaningful, lasting change."
Gemma says the move is “a return to her roots” having started her career at Ceredigion County Council before joining Disability Sport Wales in 2017 as Performance Pathway Senior Officer and, later, as Head of Active Pathways.
This news follows the appointment of Brecon’s Sherrie Woolf as chair of the Mid Wales Sports Partnership chair back in July
“Gemma brings an incredible wealth of regional knowledge and more than 20 years of expertise in the sports sector, with a strong emphasis on inclusion. Her leadership will be instrumental as we work to promote sport and physical activity in Powys and Ceredigion, with inclusion at the heart of everything we do,” said Sherrie.
The way in which community sport and physical activity opportunities are planned, delivered and funded across Wales is being transformed through the creation of five Sport Partnership.
Designed to overcome ongoing and stubborn inequalities in participation in sport and physical activity, the partnerships – Mid Wales, Central South, West Wales, North Wales and Gwent - will help transform Wales into an active nation where everyone can have a lifelong enjoyment of sport.
