Sports Minister Tracey Crouch has launched a wide-ranging public consultation on sport in the UK.
The government wants to hear from interested groups and the public on what more can be done to use sport to help improve many more lives.
On top of the health benefits from participating, sport brings people together, contributes billions to the economy every year and enhances Britain’s reputation on the world stage.
Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: “Sport has such a positive impact on people’s lives and I want to embed participation into this nation’s DNA. I want to make sure that the sports sector gives everybody - no matter who they are and what their ability - the chance to take part.
“However public funding is a privilege not a right and has to go to the organisations that can make a real difference. I want to hear views from people and groups on what more we can do to strengthen sport in this country across the board.”
Liz Nicholl, Chief Executive of UK Sport said: “We welcome the Government’s public consultation and its commitment to taking a cross government approach to develop a new strategy for sport that will build on success and drive greater impact for the nation.
“With less than one year to go until Rio 2016 and testament to the continued support from the Government and The National Lottery, our Olympic and Paralympic athletes are in good shape as we aim to make the nation proud and inspired.”
The Sports Minister is also keen that Britain continues to enjoy elite success following a great three years post London 2012. Since National Lottery funding began in 1996, Great Britain has risen from 36th in the medal table at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games to 3rd at London 2012.
“Britain has punched above its weight in elite sport in recent years with fantastic results but we cannot be complacent,” added the Minister. “I want sport to do all it can to bring on the next generation of talent so that the nation continues to enjoy success and inspirational performances.”
London 2012 was an incredible success and a high point for British sport. It showed that the UK has an elite sport system to rival any nation in the world after the incredible record medal haul from Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes. It also inspired many to get out there and give sport a go, with 1.4 million more people participating now than when the bid to host the Games was won in 2005.
However there are challenges to address to help further improve sport in this country. Sports participation figures have declined recently and the government wants to ensure that public funding is targeted at those organisations who can deliver in encouraging people to get involved in sport and physical activity.
The consultation sets out 10 broad themes that the government wants to engage with the public on. The themes are as follows:
- Participation Physical Activity Children and Young People Financial Sustainability Coaching, Workforce and Good Governance Elite and Professional Sport Infrastructure Fairness and Equality Safety and Wellbeing International Influence and Major Sporting Events
The public consultation will run for just under nine weeks, from 4 August until Friday October 2. It marks the start of the government working on a new strategy for sport in this country.
The sports sector and interested public can access the consultation paper, including an online response form via the www.gov.uk website.