If you’re a frequent visitor to the Sport and Recreation Alliance website, or peruse our Twitter feed, I’m hopeful that during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio, you’ll have seen our #TryYourKitOn campaign.
We wanted to highlight the large array of sports and recreation on offer to the nation and to use the power of the stories and feats coming in from Rio to inspire people to get active and try a new activity.
The campaign certainly had an effect in the office, with the Alliance team trying Boccia, attempting some climbing, with some brave souls even determined enough to go open-water swimming!
The campaign also had a lot of momentum on social media, with the #TryYourKitOn being shared over 6,500,000 times. We’ve also had some great blogs and ideas from our members on how they plan to channel the #TryYourKitOn spirit and keep people engaged in physical activity. So what next?
The end of a four-year Olympic cycle is a natural point for many sport and recreation organisations to take stock and evaluate what their plans and goals are for the future. What changes can be and need to be made?
There’s no doubting that, with the increased implementation of the Government and Sport England strategies next year, organisations will have to change and adapt in order to make the most of the opportunities created in the new social-outcome driven sports environment.
The Alliance is keen to help members navigate through these changes, which is why our Leadership Convention this year is focusing on change and leading for impact. Our speakers and workshopswill help sports leaders identify where change is needed and how best to manage the process. You can find out more about the Leadership Convention by clicking here.
Team GB and ParalympicGB demonstrate how implementing change and “marginal gains” can significantly improve the performance of teams and individuals. With 214 medals won in total across both teams, new stars coming to the fore and old favourites putting in some inspirational performances it’s safe to say both teams delivered success.
Two celebration parades are set to take place in Manchester and London on 17 and 18 October and if the London 2012 celebrations were anything to go by, huge crowds will fill the streets of both cities.
While the parades provide the opportunity to reflect and bask in the well-deserved glory for athletes, national governing bodies and national committees alike, it is also important to build on this success to keep people engaged in sport.
The end of the Olympic and Paralympic Games always fills people with passion and optimism as to what can be achieved both on a personal and professional level. Hopefully those who engaged with #TryYourKitOn are determined to keep channelling that spirit and instil it in others to reap the benefits of physical activity.
Finally, I just want to say a thank you to our members who helped us promote #TryYourKitOn and contribute immensely to its success.
As 2024 concludes and as we look ahead to 2025, the Alliance has published a message to members and partners.
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Sport and Recreation Alliance responds to Active Lives Children and Young People report.
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