Sport England's Chief Executive Visits Cumbria

26th January 2011

On Monday Cumbria welcomed a visit by Sport England Officers. Jennie Price, Sport England's Chief Executive was among the visitors to come to Kendal.

The purpose of the visit was for the Sport England team to see strategy in action and to understand how Cumbria is promoting the Olympic Legacy. The visit initiated by Peter Stybelski, Sport England National Board Member. The day was hosted by Brendan Jameson, Leader for South Lakeland District Council and Chair of Cumbria 2012 Steering Group.

Peter Stybelski said:

"It was a fabulous opportunity for Active Cumbria and other local partners to further showcase the excellent sporting achievements taking place in the county. "

In December, the results from Sport England's Active People 4 Survey showed Cumbria reaching a massive 25.5% of adult population doing 3x30 mins of moderate intensity sport and physical activity. This was 3.7% ahead of the national average and 3.1% above that of the regional average.

Bruce Lawson Partnership Manager for Active Cumbria said:

"It was great to have the opportunity to show Jennie and her team how many of our programmes here in Cumbria are exemplar and leading the way at national level. Sport Unlimited to name but one, showcased to Jennie, demonstrated Cumbria's ability to lead from the front and our recent news on being ranked third in the country for an active population speaks volumes for the effort that is put in from our delivery network of partners. It was great to show Jenny how partnership working truly can deliver on outcomes."

Jennie Price said:

"It really has been a fascinating visit and there are a nice mix of people responsibile for some great clubs. The Dojo is a gorgeous venue and there is a really impressive ski club which both attract children and that's great."

The morning session was followed by two site visits. Kendal Ski Club was the first club to be visited. The club has been identified by Snowsport England as one of their top priority facilities. Kendal Judo Club was the second club to be visited. The club has been signed up as a pre-training camp venue for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is in current talks with a number of different countries who have expressed an interest in the club and the first class facilities it has to offer. The delegation had the pleasure of a display by athletes from Kendal Judo club.

Jennie Price said:

"What is really impressive is that these are not massive sports in a small town and you would probably expect cycling to have taken off but the judo and skiing is really successful, with a high quality in both."