Sport

Making more of sport for more people

Naturally, in the years leading up to the 2012 Games, sport will increasingly take centre stage in the public consciousness. This is the perfect backdrop for creating an environment where everyone can become engaged with sport and physical activity.

The underlying aim is to:

• Inspire those who currently aren’t so active to get involved with a sport or physical activity
• Enable people who do take part in such activities to do more – ideally 30 minutes, three times a week
• Help individuals already achieving the 30 minutes, three times a week level to do even more

All the organisations involved in encouraging wider uptake of sport have a role to play in building this important legacy of 2012. Sport England is one of the driving forces behind this initiative, and is working to ensure that participation opportunities are facilitated by all the major Northwest sporting organisations.

Detailed plans for the delivery of this strategy will form the next regional plan for sport, 2008 – 2013.

A teamwork approach

No single agency can hope to deliver this increased participation; partnership and co-ordination are key. The lead organisation will be Sport England, but the partners are diverse – UK Sport, Youth Sport Trust, local authorities, education bodies, NHS Northwest and local Primary Care Trusts all have crucial roles to play.

The delivery will also involve specific sport partnerships and networks, all working together in a structured way in line with stakeholder objectives.

"We have a unique opportunity that we must not squander to increase participation in sport, at community and grass roots levels as well as elite levels; from the school playground to the winner’s podium." Lord Coe, More Than Just Medals 3.5.06

A salute to our medal winners

Our 500 Olympians and Paralympians triumphed at Beijing 2008 bringing home 77 Olympic medals and 102 Paralympic medals, making it our most successful Olympics and Paralympics yet.

And Team NW played a key part of the overall success of Team GB.

But this should come as no surprise. The Northwest has always had a passion for sports. You can see our commitment in our world-class facilities, our drive for excellence and our track record of hosting major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympic World Cup.