Sector Update - July 2024

Run the TCS London Marathon 2025 to help Londoners become more active

Did you miss out on the ballot for the TCS London Marathon 2025? London Sport has a limited number of exclusive TCS London Marathon 2025 places available, and we’re looking for passionate runners to join us in raising vital funds for underserved communities across London. You’ll be supporting our mission to provide opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, to engage in physical activity. Together, we can make a difference and inspire positive change in our communities.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Send your expression of interest to [email protected] and be part of something extraordinary.

Transforming Lives Through Boxing: Clay's Journey

"I don't know where I would have been without the boxing but it wouldn't be a good place...It's a release, and sometimes people badly need that."

Clay was at the lowest point in her life when she took up regular boxing classes with Osmani Trust. Through this, she turned her life around and discovered the transformative power of boxing. The sport helped her become part of a supportive family and build resilience that translated into her everyday life. Boxing taught Clay to never give up and showed her that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Watch the video here.

Driving Positive Change in Sport: Insights from School Games National Summit 2024

Last month, London Sport attended this year's School Games National Summit, participating in workshops to take learnings from the School Games and offering valuable insights and transferable learnings from the Opening School Facilities (OSF) fund, which is administered by London Sport in the capital and currently supports 173 schools. To mark National School Sports Week, we reflected on some of the key takeaways from the Summit. Read more here.

London Sport staff complete Safeguarding Training Workshop

Last month, our team was warmly welcomed at London South Bank University for crucial safeguarding training led by the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit and Ann Craft Trust. At London Sport, we take immense pride in our commitment to safeguarding, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all. Learn more.

Leading bodies urge Party leaders to commit to making the UK most active nation in Europe

As part of the Active Partnership Network, London joined a coalition of more than 200 bodies, athletes, businesses, and charities across the sector with an open letter to party leaders calling on them to use the General Election to #TakeTheLead and commit to making the UK the most active nation in Europe. Read more here.

London Sport joins roundtable discussion with City Hall's Economy, Culture & Skills Committee

Last month, London Sport's Director of Fundraising, Marketing, and Communications, Tanya Rabin, was invited by the London Assembly's Economy, Culture, and Skills Committee to join a roundtable meeting to discuss key policy challenges and opportunities in London.

We reinforced the opportunity that sport and physical activity provides in terms of improving health and wellbeing, building stronger communities, and providing real economic benefits, but raised key issues impacting community sport and the workforce in the capital. Learn more.

Health

Almost 1.8 billion adults are at risk of disease due to a lack of exercise

Almost 1.8 billion adults are at risk of diseases such as cancer, stroke, dementia, and diabetes due to a lack of exercise. This is the headline from a new study from World Health Organisation (WHO) researchers plus academics who found that physical inactivity has risen, globally, by about five percentage points between 2010 and 2022. See more here.

How integrating health services into local high streets can generate multiple benefits

This report by the NHS Confederation was released in 2020 but seems just as relevant, now. It summarises roundtable discussions and provides recommendations for how the NHS, local authorities, and local enterprise partnerships can collaborate. Opportunities include putting health at the heart of 'place' to address health inequalities, offer additional capacity for health service delivery, and attract more people to local high streets while encouraging healthier lifestyles.

New eating, drink, and activity information for older people

The British Dietetic Association has recently released a new resource to support older people with eating, drinking, and being active while aging. The resource is available here, with a link to the evidence base included on that page.

Inclusion and Disability

Michelle Weltman Honoured with MBE During Pride Month

London Sport Awards 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Michelle Weltman, was included on the King's Honours List during Pride Month for her dedication to aquatic sports. Michelle, who has coached at Out To Swim for over 30 years, nearly missed her MBE notification due to her commitment. She is celebrated for her pioneering work in inclusive aquatics for the LGBTQ+ and disability communities, marking a significant milestone in her career. Read more.

Celebrating Sporting Excellence within Ethnically Diverse Communities

Public nominations for the Sporting Equals Awards 2024 are now open across eight different categories and will close on 8 September. The awards will be hosted on 5 October 2024, recognising and celebrating the contributions made by ethnically diverse people & communities to sport. Nominate here.

Children and Young People

England captain backs calls for guaranteed PE in schools

England Test captain Ben Stokes has backed calls for every child to be guaranteed at least two hours of physical education in school each week. The England and Wales Cricket Board and four other national sporting governing bodies have asked the government that is formed following Thursday’s general election to put a minimum level of weekly sport in the national curriculum. Read more.

Embracing the power of physical activity in schools

To mark National School Sports Week, Amy Dunne from the Youth Sport Trust explains how their annual campaign highlights the importance of physical education, sport, and play in schools. Read more.

New Research Highlights Wellbeing Benefits of Physical Activity

New research from the Youth Sport Trust underscores the crucial role of physical activity in children's wellbeing. The findings provide strong evidence that regular movement and exercise are vital for improving overall health and happiness in young people.

All this, plus the latest from our commercial partners,?Decathlon,?Exergame, and?Play Innovation.

To read the full PDF Sector Update click here.