Ryan Baker | Chair
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park

With over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience, Ryan has developed a strong reputation for promoting inclusive and sustainable pathways in sport. He has overseen the growth of programmes that enable students to progress from participation through to performance, ensuring every young person has the chance to thrive. Ryan’s work focuses on positioning physical education as a vehicle for confidence, resilience, and lifelong wellbeing. He is equally committed to supporting colleagues, sharing best practice, and driving collaboration across schools to maximise the positive impact of sport.

Jeremy Wyre | Games Lead
British School Muscat, Oman

Jeremy is the Director of Sport at the British School Muscat, where he has lead a thriving and inclusive sports programme that promotes excellence, participation, and leadership for the past 15 years. Jeremy has played an active role in regional sport through BSME, serving on the BSME Heads of PE Committee and contributing to the development of inter-school sport across the region for over 20 years. Prior to joining BSM, he was the director of sport at The British International School, Cairo (BISC) and The Alice Smith School, Kuala Lumpur and in all 3 schools Jeremy has worked hard to elevate these schools sporting reputation both locally and on an international level.

Gary Wambeek | Individual Sports Lead
The British International School, Riyadh, KSA

With 18 years of Physical Education experience across four continents, Gary has held senior leadership roles, including Head of PE and Director of Sport, throughout his career. Gary is currently Deputy Head at The British International School, Riyadh, where he works with the team to strategically develop the enrichment pillar, ensuring students benefit from diverse sporting and co-curricular opportunities. Having served for several years as the KSA representative on the BSME HoPE Committee, Gary is delighted to now step into the role of Sports Lead. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge, skills, and international experience to further strengthen and advance our collective work.

Shaun Banham | Country Lead - Egypt & Jordan
New Cairo British International School, Egypt

Shaun has been a PE teacher for 19 years, working in the UK, China, Brazil, and Egypt, and has held roles as both Director of Sport and Head of PE. Sport has always been at the heart of his career, and he is passionate about creating opportunities for all students to enjoy and succeed in physical activity. Shaun is especially focused on raising the profile of school sport across Egypt, helping it grow in reach and impact. As part of the BSME Heads of PE committee, Shaun is excited to share ideas, support colleagues, and contribute to regional collaboration.

Kevin Shaw | Country Lead - Bahrain
St. Christopher's School Bahrain

Kevin is the Director of Sports and Academies at St Christopher's Bahrain, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across leading UK independent and international schools. Dedicated to building character through physical activity and sports programmes, Kevin believes sports tours and festivals play a vital role in youth development. He looks forward to collaborating with BSME to unite students across the region through spirited competition, with a sense of fun and gratitude, creating positive shared memories and life experiences.

Adam Martin | Country Lead - Kuwait & Pakistan
Gulf British Academy, Kuwait

An international teacher with 25 years of experience, Adam has worked across a number of British schools in Kuwait, including a decade as a Head of Department. He is passionate about promoting student leadership and creating meaningful opportunities for pupils that extend learning and personal development beyond the classroom.

Having attended numerous BSME Games over the years, Adam is continually inspired by the growth, confidence and resilience pupils demonstrate through the experience. He joined Gulf British Academy in 2023 and was proud to lead the school to its first-ever BSME Games in 2025, marking an important milestone in the school’s development.

Pamela Thiesen | Country Lead - Qatar
Qatar International School

Pamela is our HoPE representative for Qatar, with over 12 years of experience in the region. Pamela has organised multiple sports trips to the BSME Games and successfully led the hosting of Qatar’s first-ever Secondary BSME Games last academic year. She is passionate about expanding BSME’s presence and participation across Qatar, working to connect more schools with the organisation. Pamela is currently completing the NPQSL, further enhancing her leadership skills and dedication to excellence in physical education.

Jennifer Gilbert | Country Lead - Saudi Arabia
British School of Dhahran, KSA

Jennifer was born and raised in Bahrain, where she attended St Christopher’s School. Jennifer is currently the Director of Sport and Head of Physical Education at the British School of Dhahran, now in her sixth year. Her focus is on developing a holistic curriculum that nurtures students socially, physically and cognitively, inspiring them to reach their potential both in and beyond sport. Passionate about making a meaningful impact in Physical Education, Jennifer aims to continue supporting a diverse community of independent learners within a caring British international school - just as her own teachers once inspired me.

Sarah Harrod | Country Co-Lead - UAE
Brighton College Dubai, UAE

Sarah is delighted to join the BSME HoPE Committee this year, based at Brighton College Dubai where she holds the role of Director of Sport and Co-Curricular Coordinator; she has been at the College since its opening in August 2018. Sarah is keen enthusiast with regards to raising the profile of sport across the Middle East and recognising the benefits of inclusive participation alongside high-performance. Sarah is a lifelong lover of dance, particularly ballet and in later life developed an interest in endurance sports. She prides herself in being a team player, resilient and determined to see the best in everyone. Sarah is excited to see what the year ahead brings.

Richard Austin | Country Co-Lead - UAE
Brighton College Abu Dhabi, UAE

Richard Austin is in his 6^th year teaching at Brighton College Abu Dhabi, where he is Director of Sport. Richard is originally from England and studied Sports Science at Brunel University. Before joining Brighton College Abu Dhabi, he was Director of Sport at a school in Dubai, and has also worked in various leadership roles in both education and sport in the UK, New Zealand and Australia over the past 20 years. Richard is very much looking forward to joining the BSME committee this academic year.