We can no longer ignore or deny the positive impact participation in sports, movement and physical activity play in creating a wealth of social and economic benefits. It is clear to see the unique value of public sector-owned leisure estates and the crucial role they play across our much-loved towns and cities. The local government invests £1.1bn per year in England's leisure, parks, and green spaces. In 2019/20 publicly owned leisure facilities boasted 184 million visits, creating a significant social return, and positively impacting people’s mental and physical well-being, social capital, and community development.

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Covid-19 has affected almost every person and organisation globally and sports and leisure have been immeasurably affected. As we recover from the trauma of the pandemic, the leisure sector has had to re-examine the purpose of its provision, considering the economic viability and the alignment with broader strategetic outcomes, particularly health. 

 

The transition from sport and leisure to health and well-being involves a shift in focus from simply engaging in physical activity for enjoyment or competition to taking a more holistic approach to overall wellness. This includes a broader emphasis on mental and emotional health, as well as physical fitness.

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Sport England has responded to this challenge by launching the Uniting the Movement strategy, the accompanying implementation plan and more recently, the Future of Public Sector Leisure. Between 2022 and 2025, investments in Sport England partners and key organisations will help to build a collective movement of people and key organisations that share the same determination to tackle inequalities, level-up access and use sport and physical activity and help create more resilient, inclusive and connected communities. 

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At this time, physical inactivity costs the wider healthcare system over £10bn per year and is attributed to 1 in 6 deaths in the UK. We are witnessing a rise in obesity and health inequality is affecting many people across the United Kingdom. The time to act has passed, it is now critical. We must pool our collective resources and draw on the ingenuity of our leaders across the public, private and third sectors to tackle this incredible challenge. 

 

The Why Sports 2023 conference will serve as a platform to promote professional dialogue and insight across eight broad themes through defined speaker presentations, workshops and masterclasses. If you are passionate about using physical activity to drive positive societal change, this conference is a must-attend and represents a unique opportunity to increase collaboration, share best practices and embrace positive networking.