Keynote SpeakersBen Cohen MBE is a former England Rugby Player.
An extremely accomplished professional rugby player, Ben has 57 international caps for his country.
He scored 31 tries making him one of the top try-scorers of all time for England.
Furthermore, Cohen was a member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup winning squad.
As a world cup winner, Ben was awarded an MBE.
Clinically classed as deaf, Ben came to prominence in the successful Northampton side who won the Heineken Cup in 2000. A big, quick wing, his try-scoring ability brought him to the attention of England boss Sir Clive Woodward, who handed him an international debut against Ireland during the 2000 Six Nations.
Ben became a regular fixture in the England squad, becoming a prolific try-scorer on the international stage.
He was also a member of the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2001.
Ben retired from professional rugby in 2011.
Since retiring from the field, Ben has taken part in a number of television shows including:
- Strictly Come Dancing – BBC One
- The Jump – Channel 4
- And They’re Off – Sport Relief
Equality and Diversity
Over the years Ben has attracted a loyal following of gay supporters, due to his willingness to speak out against homophobic bullying and harassment.
“I am passionate about standing up against homophobia and feel compelled to take action. It is time we stand up for what is right and support young people who are being harmed. As athletes, it is not enough just to have strong bodies. We must have strong characters and use our voices to support those who need and deserve it”
In 2008 Ben Cohen was voted ‘Top Sportsman‘ by Gay Times readers and ‘Top Gay Icon‘ by The Sunday Times (knocking football player David Beckham off the top slot).
In 2011, Ben set-up his anti-bullying organization The Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation – the world’s first foundation dedicated to raising awareness of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying by connecting communities and raising funds to support those doing real-world work to eradicate bullying, particularly active LGBT community.
Ben Cohen – Motivational Speaker
As a boy, Ben was told that he wouldn’t make it as a rugby player. His sheer determination and hard work proved his critics wrong. He admits he was not a natural rugby player, but had the passion and ‘grit’ to practice, practice and practice until he got it right – the ethos of a true sportsman.
Ben admits that he has also made some mistakes which he has had to face up to, admit he was wrong and start again – in his business, sporting and personal life.
Popular speaking topics include:
- The Secret of Sporting Success
- Playing to Win
- Coming Back from the Wilderness.
- Standing Up for what’s Right
- An education in Acceptance
- Understanding Acceptance
- 2nd Nov 2003 – the Journey
- Flying High and Swinging Low
- Attitude to Win
