CCPR reafirms its support for member organisations

Paul Dancey on 28/07/2010

In the wake of the Government announcement that Sport England and UK sport are to be amalgamated, the CCPR has moved swiftly to reassure its members of continued support during a "challenging period for sport and recreation":

"You will no doubt be aware by now of the recent government announcement to merge UK Sport and Sport England into a single organisation. Whilst the detail and timing of this process is as yet unclear, CCPR will continue to stress the need for sustainability in the sport and recreation sector and the continuation of the positive work undertaken by UK Sport and Sport England over recent years. We will also make strong representations to ensure minimum disruption to our member organisations and their activities.

"In the meantime, it is pleasing to report that CCPR has been given responsibilities by the Minister for Sport, Hugh Robertson, to undertake two significant reviews relating to sport and recreation. The first is a review of the voluntary code in relation to sports broadcasting - originally a CCPR initiative - the principal aim of which is to explore the potential for a significant increase in the minimum percentage of TV broadcasting income which the national governing bodies who are signatories to the code reinvest in the grass-roots of their sport.

"The second review, which has a broader impact across all of CCPR member organisations, is aimed at cutting the bureaucracy and red tape which negatively impacts on sports based volunteering, participation and opportunities. This will be a wide-ranging review looking at all the implications of excessive bureaucracy at a national governing body level through to grass-roots clubs and individuals, and will encompass many of the recent concerns for the sector, including such issues as safeguarding, licensing, planning and even water rates.

"In what will no doubt be a challenging period for sport and recreation, we should not lose sight of the opportunities which are still very present particularly, with today marking the two-year countdown to the London Olympics and Paralympics, and with the Commonwealth Games, Rugby World Cup and a bid to host the Football World Cup all on the horizon. As well as these major events, we know that our members are also making significant progress in other areas too.

"CCPR is committed to supporting our member organisations and will continue to promote the positive impact of sport and recreation throughout our national life. We will keep you up to date with any further developments and can assure you that we will do all that we can to ensure that your interests are represented and that the sector is protected."

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