Sport England has announced an additional £24 million funding to extend its Sportivate programme. This funding from the National Lottery means Sportivate will add additional support 14 to 25-year-olds encouraging them to get involved in sport up to 2017.
Olympic Gold-medal winning cyclist Joanna Rowsell, the Right Honourable Maria Miller, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, and the chief executive of Sport England’s Jennie Price made the announcement at an event in Essex. .
Around 190,000 individuals in this age group have so far benefitted from subsidised six-to-eight week sport courses through Sportivate. Of these, over 150,000 have successfully completed a coaching course, being absent for less than one session.
John White, managing director of Premier Trophies said: ‘We support the new initiative to encourage this age group to become more involved in sports. We need many more coaches to help develop both sporting and life skills in our younger generation and see the vast impact that sport can have in the development of young people. By encouraging initiatives of this nature we can not only help participation but this is also a welcome boost for the sports trophies industry as more individuals will be rewarded for their sporting excellence.’
Jennie Price added: ‘Sportivate’s success is built on listening to what young people want from sport and then giving them great opportunities to get involved. With dozens of traditional and non-traditional sports on offer, lots of young people are getting active and discovering a sport they really enjoy and want to keep playing.’
Joanna Rowsell said: ‘It’s fantastic that Sportivate is helping so many young people to discover a new sport. I only started cycling when I was 15 and it changed my life. Sport can be amazing if you find the one that’s right for you. Whether you want to get serious about it or concentrate on the fun of taking part, Sportivate can help you to get involved.’
Maria Miller said: ‘The number of people playing sport is on the rise, which is really good news. We are determined to leave a lasting legacy from London’s Games, and Sportivate is playing a key part in that. It’s really important we keep the momentum going and help even more young people develop a sporting habit for life.’
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