First sports conference a success
Sports providers from across the county were treated on October 25th, 2007 to a day of informative workshops and inspirational speakers at the Galpharm Stadium at a conference designed to get more people active.
Derek Mapp, Chairman of Sport England gave the keynote speech at the West Yorkshire Sports Partnership annual conference saying: "Sport England's message is simple - its getting more people into sport. I want you all to join me and Sport England in delivering a sporting legacy for 2012 and beyond. When we drive up participation – we change people's lives forever."
The government, through Sport England, has set a challenging target of increasing participation in sport by adults 1% per year leading up to the 2012 Olympics. This equates to 17,000 people across West Yorkshire each year.
"17,000 may sound like a huge number, but if you break that figure down across the 5 local authorities - in Kirklees that is is only 3,100 people - only seven and a half percent of the seats in this stadium," said Howard Posner, Chair of the West Yorkshire Sport Partnership. "So while the number sounds big, the targets are realistic and we believe they are achievable.
"The fundamental aim is increasing participation across sport as a whole, for reasons of health and enjoyment."
Nearly 100 delegates from sporting and other organisations like the police and the health service gathered for a busy timetable of workshops and speeches dealing with topics such as changing behaviour with social marketing campaigns, engaging with over 55s, working with young people at risk and maximising the volunteering and facility potential of further and higher education establishments.
Sharing their experience of the benefits of bringing sport into the community were sports champions Peter Bower and Bronagh Cambell who described her route back into sport: "With the support of people, even if it is just an encouraging word, you can make those changes. The more people I talked to about running, I started to feel part of a group, started to belong. Sometimes just being heard and a bit of advice is enough."
Guests who found the day worthwhile included Steve Warner, Bradford council's Head of Sport & Leisure who said: "It was interesting, informative and,most importantly, enjoyable - a job very well done! Bronagh Campbell was absolutely brilliant and a really nice touch!"
After the conference the delegates were also treated to an inspirational speech from Steve Parry, Olympic medallist from Athens 2004, who had a message for the younger generations: "get involved with a sport, don't be sitting at home playing with your games machines. Sport's where its at."
Nigel Harrison, Director of West Yorkshire Sport, the organisation tasked with coordinating sport across the sub-region added: I do think we have inspired the sports infrastructure in West Yorkshire to deliver on the participation agenda. It's all guns blazing from here on in."
“There have been great strides taken over the last few years in increasing the number of opportunities for young people to take part in sport. Research published last week shows that 84% of young people in West Yorkshire are taking part in at least 2 hours a week of high quality PE and Sport. This work needs to continue so that young people get even more opportunities.
“This conference turned the attention on adults where we know that over half the population in West Yorkshire does not take part in any sport and active recreation. We also know the huge benefits to be gained relating to people’s health and the role sport can play in creating a vibrant community. This conference should give those professionals in West Yorkshire who are tasked with developing sport to learn more from industry experts and share their own good practice.”
See what you missed on our conference video
Watch other Videos at our Youtube site
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Well, Its all over for another year, but over the coming week we will be bringing you highlights of the event, photos, videos and of course the resources from the workshops.
We hope you enjoyed the conference and found it helpful in your challenge of bringing the benefits of active living to our county.
Nigel Harrison - Director - West Yorkshire Sport
Contents
The event
Downloads
Videos
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