The CCPR
“Launch of the CCPR Political Challenge:
Building a Sound Future for Sport and Recreation”
The CCPR¹, the umbrella body for the national governing bodies of sport and recreation, has launched its ‘Challenge to the Next Government’. The Challenge calls upon the next government to place sport and recreation higher on the political agenda and seeks a genuine commitment for more sustained support and financial investment in the UK’s sports system.
One of the key challenges laid down by CCPR is the request for Government to double exchequer funding for sport and recreation, enabling the sector to enjoy the same levels of funding that have for so long been the preserve of the arts. As Margaret Talbot, Chief Executive of the CCPR stated in her speech at the launch of the Challenge, “sport and recreation have for decades suffered from under-funding and there is an absolute need for more sustainable, high levels of investment in a system which is increasingly expected, not only to win medals and championships, but also to help solve the nation’s problems of obesity, social exclusion, rising crime and poor educational achievement.”
Andy Reed MP the Political Champion for the Challenge, confirmed at the launch his belief in the power of sport to make a difference to people’s lives and that for too long its role has been undervalued by Government. “I also believe that the CCPR have identified actions in their Challenge which are not only realistic, but will make a huge difference to our sport system. If we can manage this, it will help to lay down the foundations of a sustainable sporting system for decades to come – a huge asset for the nation and for the 2012 Olympic bid.”
The Challenge highlights the important role played by the national governing bodies of sport and recreation both in managing and delivering their activities to millions of participants, but also in addressing the wider political issues of obesity, crime and education. As Howard Wells, Chair of CCPR, stated: “At a time when there is such public concern about health, social exclusion and disaffection, yet pride in sporting achievements is so great, sport and recreation have an enormous role to play in the shaping of our nation.” However, he went on to say, “But our sport system remains under resourced and fragile, and we still have a long way to go. It is vital that the CCPR Challenges are met to achieve adequate support and development for the sector.”
The Challenge is supported by Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth athletes Alison Mowbray, Geoff Parsons, Heather Corrie, Kriss Akabusi and Marc Woods, in addition to a number of MPs and Peers who are keen to see greater emphasis placed upon the importance of sport and recreation by the Government.
The NRHA fully supports the CCPR Challenge as we believe that if met the proposals could make a huge and lasting difference to sport and recreation in the UK.
The CCPR Challenge will run until the next General Election.
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Reporter: Aileen Barker
