A "new era" for local sport

Monday 24 August 2020

The States has approved the ‘Active 8’ Plan for Sport, the island's first government-backed sports strategy.

Funding has been allocated to ‘Create Opportunity, Build Community and Support Excellence in sport and physical activity.’ Eight key objectives have been created to encourage islanders of all ages to be more active by developing accessible facilities and supporting existing clubs.

The Active 8 plans hope to establish data and key performance indicators, against which the success of the initiative can be benchmarked. Funding has been allocated for this and the door has been unlocked for further investment down the line, which ESC President Matt Fallaize said Guernsey has been lagging behind in compared to similar jurisdictions.

“This strategy is a significant achievement which we should feel proud to own,” he said. “The prospects are good for the new Assembly to take this support forward, and ensure that the initiatives are prioritised and funded. This is a great day for sport in Guernsey.”

The Guernsey Sports Commission will work closely with Education, Sport and Culture to achieve the aims of the plan.

“We are absolutely delighted to have received such comprehensive support for sport from States Members,” said GSC Chairman Jon Ravenscroft. “It is heartening to see so many of our elected representatives recognising the importance of sport for our mental and physical health, and the contribution that it will make towards the Island’s ability to Revive and Thrive post-covid.”

Pictured top: Guernsey's sports initiatives for all ages are set to receive a significant boost from the Active 8 Plan for Sport, approved recently by the States of Guernsey.