1 Oct 2014

Welsh NHS Confederation and Sport Wales to sign landmark Memorandum of Understanding

Welsh NHS Confederation and Sport Wales to sign landmark Memorandum of Understanding news article image

The Welsh NHS Confederation and Sport Wales have announced that they will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

In signing the MOU, the two organisations are committing to pooling expertise, experience and resources as part of a long-term and sustainable partnership.

It is the first agreement of its kind between a NHS and sports body and is signed with the aim of encouraging the people of Wales to take more responsibility for their health and wellbeing.

The MOU – which will initially cover the next three years – sets out six areas of cooperation which include:

  • working together to support the people of Wales to enjoy more active, more equal and healthier lives
  • working to encourage people to look after their own health and thereby take care of the health of future generations
  • working to foster a co-productive relationship with the people of Wales
  • working together to support the drive for a mass shift in public thinking about their health
  • exchanging information of mutual interest
  • seeking to develop joint areas of work that promote 'sport for all' and encourage participation across the life span.

Discussing the MOU, Helen Birtwhistle, Director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said:

"We know the importance of the links between sport with health and this new memorandum demonstrates a commitment from both sectors to come together to promote healthier living and improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Wales.

"Health cannot be seen as a standalone issue and these strong links with our colleagues in sport are vital in addressing the challenges that we face.”

Sarah Powell, Chief Executive of Sport Wales, added:

"The Health Minister has outlined the prudent healthcare agenda – well what's more prudent than avoiding ill health in the first place by leading a healthy, active lifestyle. The sports sector has a role to play in creating the opportunities for the people of Wales to take greater personal responsibility for their own health.”

Read more Sport and Recreation Alliance news.

Latest News

22 Jan 2026

Chair and Deputy Chair of the new NGB Coalition appointed

The Sport and Recreation Alliance is delighted to confirm former Rugby Football League (RFL) CEO, Ralph Rimmer OBE, as the Chair and Jack Baker as Deputy Chair of the new NGB Coalition.

Read more Arrow Right
20 Jan 2026

Andy Sutch – London Federation of Sport and Recreation

It is with immense sadness that the Sport and Recreation Alliance learned of Andy Sutch’s passing last week, and we send our deepest condolences to Andy’s family and friends.

Read more Arrow Right
26 Nov 2025

Sport and Recreation Alliance responds to Autumn Budget 2025

This afternoon, the Chancellor delivered her Budget speech to Parliament, outlining decisions on tax and spending.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo