A call to action for the new PM and Government to strengthen support for the sport, recreation, and physical activity sector

Lisa Wainwright MBE, Sport and Recreation Alliance CEO, said: “The summer of sport our country has just witnessed, with the Lionesses’ nation-inspiring win and the highly successful Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, has been a fantastic showcase of the power of sport and recreation.

"Our sector sits at the heart of our nation – it brings together communities, enables economic growth, and highly increases social value. Through a diverse range of sports, recreations, and activities, together the sector supports an active nation, and both inspires and develops people of all generations.

"But looking ahead at the winter, we find ourselves at a critical time: while both our country and sector are still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, the cost of living and energy crisis are already impacting many of our clubs, businesses, and community groups.

"It is therefore absolutely vital that our new Prime Minister and her Government provide comprehensive support to ensure that all parts of the sector can survive and continue to keep people active.

"Further, we strongly believe the huge potential of our sector is not being maximised. Sport and recreation provide huge social, economic and health benefits for communities which support key cross-governmental priorities including levelling up, relieving the strain on the NHS, driving growth, eliminating inequalities and net zero.

"The landmark report Unlocking the potential, published as part of a coalition of leading sector organisations, lays out a clear strategic vision of how to fully harness the power of our sector and help transform participation and levels of physical activity in this country.

"We look forward to working with this new Government to help make this happen.”

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