Emma Boggis, Chief Executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, calls on the new Government to recognise the contribution of the sport and recreation sector and to take a genuinely joined-up approach to get the whole nation active.
Speaking today, Emma Boggis said that despite the further uncertainty caused by a hung parliament, the impact the sport and recreation sector can have on some of our biggest public policy challenges must be recognised.
“The Sport and Recreation Alliance looks forward to working with the new Government and with other political parties to make sure that sport and recreation remains firmly at the heart of the policy debate. Although the exact make up of the new Government is still not certain, the results of last night will certainly mean that there will be new Ministers to engage with across a number of key departments, including the Department for Education and HM Treasury. We will be working hard to engage with all of them once they are appointed so that they appreciate the contribution the sector can make to delivering their policy outcomes.
“And of course, with Brexit negotiations due to start imminently the Alliance will be working closely with our members, Government and wider stakeholders to make sure that the voice of the sector is heard to achieve the best outcomes for sport and recreation.
“As we made clear in our reaction to the manifestos, it was disappointing that physical activity did not feature more prominently in the parties’ commitments. We encourage incoming Ministers to look again at our manifesto for a clear understanding of the most important issues the sector needs support on from the next Government.
“At the Sport and Recreation Alliance we believe that sport and recreation has the power to change lives and bring communities together. One might argue this is needed more than ever.”
