Local MP Shows Support For High Quality School Sports

Local MP, Justin Tomlinson, has shown his support for high quality for PE and sport in schools in Swindon by pledging to become a ‘School Sport Champion’.

Justin attended the parliamentary launch of the Youth Sport Trust “Unlocking Potential” Manifesto which is calling on the next Government to ensure every child has access to high quality PE and sport opportunities at school. PE and school sport provides numerous benefits for young people as it improves physical and mental health, builds resilience, creates active habits for life and boosts academic achievement.

Yet with only 21% of boys and 16% of girls currently doing the amount of physical activity they need to stay healthy, that too many children are living inactive lifestyles, damaging both their health and their ability to succeed

“Unlocking Potential: A Manifesto for PE and School Sport” argues that, by prioritising PE and school sport at the next election, the next government has a critical opportunity, not only to improve our nations’ health, but to boost our education and sporting prospects too.

During his time as a local councillor and Lead Member for Leisure on Swindon Borough Council, Justin actively engaged with schools and local sports groups to set up the town's Sports Forum, while as the North Swindon MP he has helped lead the campaign promote the positive impact sport can have on young peoples' lives as well as supporting the Government's new £150m School Sports Premium.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “I really do believe in the power of PE and school sport. The London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic showed that we are a nation of sports lovers and that sport is in our DNA. PE and school sport are also a vital tool for helping us combat the growing crisis of inactivity as they help young people stay fit and healthy. As a champion for PE and school sport, I will continue to promote its benefits both here in Parliament and with headteachers and young people in Swindon.”

Jason Gardener, Olympic gold medallist and Youth Sport Trust Ambassador, said: "It is great to have Justin on our team as a champion for PE and school sport. I am really passionate about seeing young people lead healthy and happy lives and that is why I believe in the power of PE and school sport. Not only does it keep young people fit, health and active, it also boosts their academic achievement so the more people we have out there talking about PE and school sport, the better.”

To read the Youth Sport Trust manifesto, visit http://www.youthsporttrust.org/manifesto