London Sport was officially launched today by Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Chief Executive of Sport England Jennie Price at the Westminster Boating Base.
The event set out London Sport’s vision – to get one million people more active by 2020 and to ensure London becomes the most physically active city in the world. The organisation will ensure that London continues the legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and accelerates the level of growth in grassroots sport in the capital.
The Mayor of London and Sport England are investing over £5.5million a year into London Sport to help it achieve its ambition.
“Most physically active city in the world”
Peter Fitzboydon, CEO of London Sport, explained the new organisation’s strategy and approach: “London has proven it can host the most prestigious sports events in the world, now it is time to prove that we can deliver for grassroots sport. Not enough people are realising the benefits of being physically active and our role is to work out why, and do whatever is needed to give everyone the opportunity to be more active.
Our team will help the private and public sectors offer opportunities to people of all ages and abilities to find an activity that inspires them – from parkour to pilates to pentathlon. There is an activity for everyone; our job is to make sure opportunities to be active inspire and reach many more people.”
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: “I look forward to working alongside London Sport and helping hundreds of thousands more Londoners to get active, try something new and lead healthier lifestyles.”
Jennie Price, Sport England’s Chief Executive, said: “I am confident London Sport will make a real difference. As a rapidly growing city with a reputation for hosting fantastic sporting events, London has a major role to play in Sport England’s ambition to get more people active. But Londoners also face significant challenges, including pressure on open space and the cost of living.
“That is why we need a single, strong and creative sports partnership, with in-depth knowledge of the grassroots and focused on making it easier for people to play sport and exercise.
“This blueprint sets ambitious targets to make London the most physically active sporting city in the world which sets exactly the right standard and will be a great way to continue the legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Kate Hoey MP, the Mayor of London’s Sports Commissioner and Chair of the London Sport Board said:
“The launch of London Sport marks a hugely significant moment for grassroots sport in London. Both Sport England and the Mayor through his Sports Legacy Programme have been doing tremendous things to encourage more people to be physically active, but now, with shared ambition and vigour, we hope to make London the most physically active city on the planet.”
