2nd December, 2014
It is with great sadness that AIESEP has learned that ICSSPE President, Professor Margaret Talbot OBE, passed away on Tuesday 2 December 2014, following a long illness.
Margaret Talbot was a life-long advocate and activist for equity in sport and physical education, and fought continually to defend the statutory entitlement to quality physical education around the world. She was the author of numerous books, research reports and international policy documents, all of which expressed her strong sympathy for communities in need, for women, persons with disabilities and children.
Margaret Talbot was elected President of ICSSPEin 2009. Prior to this, she was Vice President for Education from 1999 until 2008. Prof. Talbot had also been President of the International Association of Physical Education and Sport for Girls and Women from 1997 to 2005. In addition to her voluntary positions, she had been Chief Executive of the Central Council of Physical Recreation, and the Association for Physical Education, both based in the United Kingdom. She was also Chair of the Education Committee of the International Paralympic Committee. Earlier in her outstanding career, Margaret Talbot had been Carnegie Research Professor at Leeds Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, where she was also the Head of Sport. Before that, she had worked at Trinity and All Saints College in Leeds. For her extra-ordinary services to physical education and sport, Margaret Talbot was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1993.
As ICSSPE President, Prof Talbot had many dealings with AIESEP and, in addition to being an inspirational colleague, many members counted her a friend. AIESEP extends heartfelt condolences to Margaret’s family, especially her husband, David.
