Mick Barlow has been appointed as GLL's athletics development manager.

A competitive athlete with a solid background in sports and event management Mick, 44, has developed and delivered programmes of sport development for everything from London Youth Games to the London Active Partnership.

Mick joins GLL at an exciting time as the organisation gets set to assist in the planning, delivery and future legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. GLL currently operates public sport and leisure centres in partnership with 13 London Boroughs and five other partnerships, including all five host 2012 boroughs in East London and the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

With a brief ranging from corporate strategy, coaching development and disability provision through to programming, performance and partnerships, Mick is looking forward to the challenge of further developing quality services to meet the needs of sport and the local community.

Comments Mick, "GLL is committed to developing a sustainable legacy and to the continual improvement of athletics in London: the condition of facilities, the coaching structure and the importance of support mechanisms and partnerships. Now I find myself in a position that can really make a difference and with the 2012 Olympiad on the horizon, it's a fantastic opportunity."

Mick has 26 years experience in the leisure industry as well as qualifications including an MBA, with a dissertation based on the delivery systems of sport in London. As managing director of his own project management company, 'Back on Course Ltd', he acted as event manager for road races, 'Crises' and 'Square Mile Relays' as well as working on most of the big regional events including the London Marathon and Comic Relief Miles. He has worked in partnership with Nike and Bupa to deliver training for 'The Great Run Series'.