Written by Bethan Lloyd:

As the world’s eyes turn to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, we’re reminded of the incredible heights human beings can reach when they dedicate themselves to excellence. The athletes we see competing on the global stage embody years of rigorous training, unwavering determination, and an unyielding commitment to being their absolute best.

But excellence isn’t just for Olympians: it’s a principle that can—and should—guide us all, especially in the world of community transformation. 

Excellence in community work means going above and beyond the bare minimum: it means refusing to settle for “good enough” when we know we can do better. Just as an Olympic swimmer shaves fractions of a second off their time through relentless practice, we too can continually refine our approaches to empower those we meet to enact deeper and deeper change.

When you think about it, there are a fair few parallels between the two:

1. Dedication: Olympic athletes train for years, even decades, just for the chance to compete. Similarly, lasting change requires sustained effort, focus, discipline and a long-term vision. 

2. Teamwork: Some Olympic events are individual while others compete as part of a team – but both require huge amounts of teamwork from those both seen and unseen. Charities, too, thrive on collaboration: between staff, volunteers, directors, supporters, donors – and the community they serve.

3. Innovation and Creativity: Athletes and their coaches are always looking for that extra edge— a new training regime or technique, upgraded equipment or a new strategy. Likewise, Charities must embrace innovation and creativity; constantly looking for ways to be more effective in their endeavour to address complex issues. 

4. Resilience: Every Olympian has faced setbacks, injuries, or defeats along their journey, and their ability to bounce back defines their progress. When working with those experiencing significant challenges and difficulties in the community, we often face disappointments and obstacles, but our resilience and determination in the face of such challenges become milestones on the way to breakthrough.

5. Inspiration: Olympic athletes inspire millions around the world, showing what’s possible to achieve. When operating at their best, charities can inspire a similar sense of hope, and spur communities and individuals to action. 

Striving for excellence in community work isn’t about perfectionism or unattainable standards; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement, where every team member—from volunteers to leadership—is empowered to bring their best selves to the mission.

Excellence also means being accountable. Just as Olympic athletes undergo rigorous testing and scrutiny, charities must embrace transparency and demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources in order to build trust with donors, partners, and the communities we serve.

As we watch the world’s top athletes push the boundaries of human achievement in Paris, let’s challenge ourselves to bring that same spirit of excellence to our endeavours. Whether we’re providing emergency meals through Foodbank, mentoring at-risk youth, or supporting people with their mental health in the evenings, let’s approach our work with the dedication, passion, and commitment of an Olympian.

The problems we face as a society are as daunting and as vast as any Olympic challenge. But by embracing excellence in all we do, we can make meaningful strides towards a better world. Like the Olympic motto states: “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.” – let this be our rallying cry as we work towards positive change, one excellent effort at a time.

Click here to find out more about the work of Acts Trust.