The assistant head teacher of St Mary’s School in Menston has been appointed a trustee of the John Paul II Foundation for Sport.

JP2F4S was launched by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Britain in 2010 and is inspired by Saint John Paul’s enthusiasm for sport and the unique potential that it offers to enhance physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual development in individuals and to be a force for good in communities and wider society.

Mr Geldart said: “It is a great honour to be appointed the John Paul II Foundation for Sport.

“Sport is powerful and has the potential for positive and negative outcomes. In order to have positive outcomes, sport at every level, needs to be driven by principles and values such as integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility, discipline, perseverance and humility.

“Sadly, the influential world of sport does not always set the best example to our young people so there is much to do and much to gain by working towards the vision of sport as proposed by Saint John Paul.

“The challenge is enormous but so is the prize so I am delighted to be given this wonderful opportunity.”

Mr Geldart has held key public appointments at national level with Sport England and the Departments of Education and Health.

He founded the acclaimed Bambisanani Partnership in South Africa eight years ago, The Partnership uses the power of sport to develop education, health, leadership and global citizenship.

Monsignor Vladimir Felzmann, the Foundation’s chief executive said: “We are delighted that David has been appointed to the Foundation.

“He has a wealth of strategic and operational experience and has gained an international reputation for his work in physical education and sport.”