Sports Minister highlights the government's commitment to
bringing the biggest and best sporting events in the world to
this country and thanks UK Sport event partners for their work in
2022.
"Good morning and thank you for the invitation to speak to you
today in my role as Minister for Sport, Tourism and Civil
Society.
It is a special privilege to be the Minister responsible for
sport, particularly at such an exciting time for the sector.
2022 was filled with incredible sporting events that are still
fresh in the minds of the British public.
Who could forget the record-breaking Women’s Euros and that
magical summer day at Wembley when England were crowned
champions, inspiring millions with their iconic victory.
Despite the challenges of organising international sporting
events during the pandemic, we delivered on the global stage,
through the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, alongside other
major sporting tournaments
I was also lucky enough to attend a number of matches during the
ground-breaking Rugby League World Cup which took place in towns
and cities across England.
The first Rugby League tournament to integrate the men’s, women’s
and wheelchair tournaments with great success.
And I was fortunate to attend the exciting World Gymnastics
Championships last autumn which was hosted in the great city of
Liverpool.
I strongly believe in the power of major sporting events.
They enrich the lives of people all across the country.
They bring people together.
They drive economic growth.
Enhance global Britain,
and help ensure a lasting social impact and legacy
through the world-class grassroots facilities that they leave
behind for people of all backgrounds to enjoy.
That is why the Government remains committed to bringing the
biggest and best sporting events in the world to this country.
I am hugely excited about what is to come in the months and years
ahead for hosting major events in the UK.
For example, an unprecedented combined UCI World Cycling
Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland later this year,
a women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025,
and, of course, the prospect of a combined UK & Ireland bid
for the UEFA EURO 2028 Championships.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank every
person in the room today for the hard work, grit and
determination that you have shown since this event was last
convened in person in 2019.
I know how difficult the intervening period has been for the
sport events sector and your resilience has been remarkable.
Your hard work in 2022 was rewarded with a phenomenal collection
of events that brought great joy to the British public, and I
cannot wait to work with you on what comes next.
I am now pleased to introduce Simon Morton, Deputy CEO and
Director of Major Events at UK Sport.
Thank you again, and I hope you all have a very fulfilling
and productive day."
