Keith Kelly memorial held at Oxford Brookes University

Mr Kelly, who died in April after illness, served as director of sport at Oxford Brookes for more than 15 years, dedicating himself to the transformation and advancement of the university’s sports programmes.

During the event, held in the John Henry Brookes Building on Headington Campus, attendees shared their memories of Mr Kelly, including his wife Jess, daughter Maya, son Lucas, and mother Paula, reflecting on the lasting impact he made on those around him.

Keith's son Lucas read his own speech (Image: Oxford Brookes University)

Mrs Kelly said: "It was wonderful to see so many of Keith’s colleagues and friends celebrating his legacy, as well as sharing the impact he had as a person.

"Oxford Brookes Sport has been such a big part of his and our lives for such a long time.

"It is where Keith and I first met in 2009, and ever since we have as a family spent many happy times at the Sports Centre, professionally for him, but also personally for us all – playing or watching sports.

"We will always feel connected to the amazing sporting culture at Brookes, and proud of what Keith did to shape and develop it over the many years he was there."

Under his leadership, Oxford Brookes University rose into the top 25 per cent of British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) ranked institutions.

Jack Carlson, Harry Brightmore, Rory Gibbs, Morgan Bolding, Matt Aldridge, Oli Wilkes, Frankie Allen, Freddie Davidson, David Ambler (Image: Oxford Brookes University)

He was especially passionate about elevating Oxford Brookes University Boat Club (OBUBC) to new heights, creating a programme known internationally for its excellence.

His commitment to both men’s and women’s rowing fostered an environment where student athletes could excel on and off the water.

Investment in women’s rowing led to recent achievements, including Dutch National Championship wins and multiple podium finishes at the Koninklijke-Holland Beker regatta in Amsterdam this June.

Speaking at the event, Professor Alistair Fitt, vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, said: "More than 7,500 students have represented the university in competition during Keith’s time as director of sport.

"Some of these students went on to succeed at the very pinnacle of their sport.

"But Keith’s vision extended beyond competition—he championed participation in sport not only for students but also for staff and the local community, emphasising wellness, recreation, and the enjoyment of being active.

"His commitment created a vibrant sports culture at Oxford Brookes, where everyone could find their place, whether they sought fun, fitness, or the thrill of competition."

Olympic and Paralympic medallists Rory Gibbs, Morgan Bolding, Tom Digby, Harry Brightmore, Oli Wilkes, David Ambler, Matt Aldridge, Freddie Davidson and Frankie Allen attended and new boats were named after each of them.

The day ended with the BUCS Indoor Rowing Championships, where senior and novice rowers competed in a 2km rowing machine race.