Responding to Education Secretary ’ speech at the Conservative
Party Conference around competitive school sport, Youth Sport
Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver said:
“It is hugely encouraging that the Secretary of State is so
passionate about the importance of school sport and the
contribution competition can make to the development of essential
character traits such as grit, resilience and responsibility to
others, while offering young people the opportunity to find fun,
friendship and a sense of belonging. These are beliefs the Youth
Sport Trust holds dear.
“At a time when children’s physical and mental health and social
development are very real priorities for schools and society, the
pivotal role that sport can play in nurturing their development
has never been more essential.
“Through the School Games - one of the great legacies of London
2012 backed by the government and National Lottery investment -
more than two million young people across 21,000 schools get the
opportunity to participate in competitive sport every year. The
Youth Sport Trust has been privileged to implement this through
the endless hard work of the national network of School Games
Organisers.
"We welcome this extended commitment by government to help us
build on the foundations of this successful programme. This will
be great news for young people and warmly welcomed by school
leaders.
“At the Youth Sport Trust we passionately believe in the
potential of a more joined up approach to youth sport across
government. A cross-department action plan focused on getting
more children active, growing competitive sport, and maximising
the role sport can play in improving health, developing
character, and raising academic achievement will make a real
impact tackling some of the big issues facing this generation of
young people.
"We congratulate the Secretary of State on such a bold and
positive step and look forward to supporting him in realising his
ambitions.”
