THE BEST SUPPORTS BEST. Chris Hunt Skelley MBE, paralympic champion and motivational public speaker is joining with local charity, BEST. All to support their mission to help young people in the Swindon and Wiltshire area.
Chris is a multi-award-winning judoka. He’s also one of the most decorated athletes in his field, winning a gold medal in Tokyo and bronze in Paris 2024. He retired from competitive sport in 2025, and is a judo teacher, mentor and motivational speaker. He’s also a loud disability and inclusion advocate.
Since his retirement, Chris has taken it as his mission to help as many people reach their personal goals. He has joined with BEST as their athlete mentor.
‘I help support the people at BEST to enjoy themselves. I get them involved in whatever physical activity they’re interested in. Whether that be in the gym, boxing, or Brazilian Jujitsu. It’s such a fantastic place to work and a safe environment to try different sports,’ said Chris. ‘I’m very proud to be working with a fantastic team.’
Be the BEST
BEST – Be a Better You, is a Swindon-based charity. It provides fun, accessible sessions for young people of all abilities to progress to a positive future. They use skilled and understanding mentors and sports coaches to increase young people’s confidence and emotional resilience.
‘Chris has been working with us for a few months. He’s person-centred and he figures out ways to get young people to engage with judo,’ Craig Hiscock, Manager at BEST, said. ‘I don’t think it’s sunk in for the young people, Chris’ achievements and who he is. To them he’s like any other member of staff. They see him as one of the team. The staff are more in awe of him. He is inspirational.’
Chris continued to discuss why the charity’s work is vital for the Swindon and Wiltshire community.
‘I got involved with BEST because I like what they’re trying to do. Helping people find their feet and act as a good support for young people. As young adults, it’s difficult for them to understand where they want to go. In going to BEST they have escapism and support in helping them understand what direction their future can take.’
BEST means a place for people to escape the outside world when times are tough. It’s a fantastic place find and be yourself.’
To donate to BEST – Be a Better You, go to https://www.bestrust.co.uk/.
To find out more about Chris Hunt Skelley MBE and follow his journey with Best, visit: https://chrishuntskelley.co.uk/
