Extract from Women and Equalities questions: Young Female and Disabled Athletes: Covid-19 - Sep 23

Jamie Stone (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) (LD): What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the training and competition opportunities for young (a) female and (b) disabled athletes preparing to take part in the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 and beyond. [906561]

The Minister for Digital and Culture (Caroline Dinenage): Appropriately, a question on sport as I sprint to the Dispatch Box.

We remain committed to supporting our young, female and disabled Olympic and Paralympic athletes through this very difficult period. We continue to work with UK Sport to ensure that athletes are assisted and supported in their preparation for the Tokyo games and beyond to Paris 2024.

Jamie Stone: Does the Minister agree that this kind of investment will establish role models, which will encourage people to get active in their own communities?

Caroline Dinenage: I welcome the hon. Gentleman to his new role as the spokesperson on digital, culture, media and sport. He asks his question on a very appropriate day as today is National Fitness Day. He is absolutely right: if you can see it, you can be it. We want to inspire the next generation of young people to get physically fit and active not only for their own physical health, but for the mental health and well-being that it brings.