Minister meets next generation of Sporting Heros!
The Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP, saw first-hand how people from Buckinghamshire are being inspired to make sport happen in their local community after visiting a local Sport Makers workshop.
Attending one of a series of workshops at Stoke Mandeville Stadium - the ‘birthplace of the Paralympics’ and the National Centre for Disability Sport – the Minister spoke to and met with the participants who have signed up to the programme.
“The volunteers that help out at local sports clubs up and down the country are the foundations of community sport", said Hugh Robertson. “The Sport Makers initiative is a key part of the London 2012 sports legacy and will help community sports clubs across the country get more people playing sport.”
The workshop gave those attending the chance to hear from former Olympic triple jumper, Michelle Robinson. She shared her experiences of competing at the 1996 Olympic Games and the volunteers who inspired her throughout her athletic career. Also joining Michelle was Ian Rose, five times Judo Paralympian and former World and European Champion.
“It is great to see so many people in Buckinghamshire finding out how they can get involved and make sport happen for their friends, neighbours and colleagues by becoming Sport Makers,” said Phil Smith, Sport England Director of Sport. “Their involvement will help us build a lasting legacy beyond this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
By attending one of the informal and interactive workshops - the first step in becoming a Sport Maker – participants are given the skills and opportunities to get involved in sport in their area. They are also introduced to organisations that need their help, and join forces with others who want to make sport happen locally.
“This has been a great opportunity to bring people together who want to make sport happen where they live” said Michaela Smith, Interim Director of the Bucks & Milton Keynes Sports Partnership. “We look forward to supporting the participants who will help us to make Buckinghamshire an active and successful sporting county.”
Part of the Places People Play Olympic legacy programme, Sport Makers aims to inspire 40,000 people aged 16 years and over to make sport happen for their friends, neighbours and colleagues by spending at least 10 hours organising or leading sporting activities.
To find out more information about Sport Makers in the West of England area please visit www.wesport.org.uk/sportmakers. To register to become a Sport Maker please visit www.sportmakers.co.uk.
