Yesterday, the NSPG hosted over 40 MPs and 100 representatives from across the sport, recreation and physical activity sector to mark an exciting summer of sport and ask MPs to #TakeTheLead in putting sport and physical activity at the heart of parliament’s mission to transform the UK.
The reception offered the opportunity for MPs to meet with the sector and to learn more about its key players, with leaders highlighting the sector’s work in communities and its vital contribution to society, from grassroots to elite level participation.
Kim Leadbeater MP, who kindly sponsored the event, opened proceedings by reassuring attendees that her team within the Department of Culture, Media and Sport believe in the need to get more people more active and that they will work “as hard as we can on this…and across current there is a lot of shared vision.”
She encouraged attendees to harness the positivity around British sport following the summer saying:
“We have had amazing performances this summer from our international athletes, from the Three Lions, our cricketers, to Team GB at the Olympics, and right now our brilliant Paralympians. In moments like these sport unities the nation, binding communities together.
“We have got to use moments like these and make sure the inspiration from these performances are translated into participation and we do that by working with you in the sport and physical activity sector to get people more active. “
We were honoured to be joined by the Minister for Sport Steph Peacock MP who said:
“I’m not going to underplay the challenges we face. We are committed to rebuilding the foundations of our country and I am going to ensure that sport and physical activity is at the heart of that.
“The Government’s focus is on its five manifesto missions, and these include improving public health and building an NHS fit for the future and breaking down the barriers across our society. Sport and physical activity are essential to preventative health and the biggest health gain comes from supporting those who are inactive to move more.”
Alliance CEO Lisa Wainwright MBE said:
“Yesterday’s event in parliament was an invaluable opportunity to introduce MPs to the broad spectrum of work across the sport and recreation sector.
I am highly encouraged by the positive words of the Minister and very grateful that she took the time to speak and to meet with many of our sector colleagues. We know how the sport and recreation sector can be used to tackle a huge range of priorities including the need to grow the economy, fix the NHS, cut crime, tackle climate change and reduce inequalities.
We look forward to working with parliamentarians across the house to help make the UK the most active nation in Europe.”
