Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE AND ISLE OF WIGHT DRAFT SPORTS STRATEGY

1. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sports Partnership was formally established in 2000 and is one of the largest partnership areas in the country encompassing 14 local authorities. Three of these authorities, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight are unitary authorities whilst Hampshire County Council is a host authority.

2. A draft strategy for the partnership has been drawn up which provides a framework for the development of sport and physical activity and physical education for the community between the years 2004 - 2010. The aim of the strategy is to set shared, clear goals for the development of sport and physical activity within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area and set appropriate targets to which all partners can make a contribution.

3. The consultation period for the strategy is open until late July and after that a final document will be produced which can then begin to guide the work of all partners from September 2004. It is the intention of the sports development service and the Sports Partnership to develop an interim action plan relating to the strategy from September onwards and a full action plan from April 2005. The strategy covers such matters as education, healthy communities, coaching, leadership and volunteering, club development and facilities.

4. In company with the Recreation and Heritage Policy Review Committee, the Executive Member has seen a presentation on how the partnership strategy is brought to life and this covered such aspects as the community coach scheme, the Hampshire parallel games, the Hampshire mini games and the Hampshire youth games; particular attention was drawn to the parallel games for children with disabilities which attracted national press coverage.

5. The Policy Review Committee and the Executive Member welcomed the strategy and praised the efforts being put into sport in the county as demonstrated by the games.