It was a privilege for Chance to Shine to provide written evidence to the Culture, Media & Sport Committee’s Game On: Community and School Sport inquiry, and for our CEO, Kate Stephens, to give oral evidence. We are grateful for the Committee’s hard work in producing a comprehensive and ambitious report.
It is encouraging to see many Chance to Shine recommendations reflected across the report. In particular, we welcome the emphasis on strengthening PE in schools to help all children be active for the recommended 60 minutes a day, improving teacher training, supporting physical literacy and prioritising a welcoming environment for all pupils.
Equally, the recommendations on ‘Healthy Spaces’ are important in helping organisations like Chance to Shine access safe, inclusive facilities, ensuring Street cricket can reach under-served communities.
We are supportive of the Committee’s clear call for increased Government funding and a cross-government strategy. This should include a clear role for Government in attracting wider investment into grassroots sport and bringing together public, charitable and private funders, a combination that is at the heart of Chance to Shine’s income generation strategy.
This recognition of the value of community sport was recently highlighted when young people involved in our programmes presented a Chance to Shine bat to the Prime Minister, now showcased at 10 Downing Street. It was a powerful symbol of the importance of grassroots sport and its role in society. We reiterate our commitment to working with partners across cricket, sport and education to ensure all children can participate in and benefit from sport.
Read Game On: Community and School Sport HERE
