COMMENT

As the health of the population continues to decline, the importance of sport and physical activity becomes ever greater. Obesity, heart disease and diabetes are spiralling out of control and, with the health service already stretched to breaking point, there really is only one direction for us to turn.

For many years I have been advocating the role of sport and physical activity as a preventative treatment and I am sure that all those currently working as exercise professionals fully share my perspective. You know that if you are able to provide someone with the tools for a healthy and active lifestyle, you are not only ensuring them a far more enjoyable existence – you are also saving the taxpayer a significant amount of money in the future.

As Boris Johnson’s Commissioner for Sport, I am charged with securing a sustained increase in participation in sport and physical activity amongst Londoners – a genuine grass-roots sporting legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. For the first time, the Mayor has ring-fenced funding (£15.5 million over three years) for investment in this area and we are confident that with match funding, this will lead to a total in excess of £30 million invested in London by the time of the 2012 Games.

Bridging the gap between health and fitness

by Kate Hoey, MP, Commissioner for Sport in London

We are looking to use this investment to stimulate a step change in our city; to build upon the pockets of fantastic work that is already going on; and to ensure that the obvious enthusiasm that exists in London is translated into to a coordinated, comprehensive network of opportunity for participation in sport and physical activity.

Central to delivering our agenda in London is the involvement of the fitness industry – and more specifically the fitness and exercise professionals within the industry. For many people, that first step from inactive to active is the hardest step of all. High quality, well-trained, sympathetic fitness professionals can make the experience so much less daunting.

“For many people, that first step from inactive to active is the hardest step of all”

At a much broader level, the fitness and exercise sector is well placed to act as a link between sport and health. If we are to really maximise the value of sport and physical activity to our society, unlocking the NHS budget is crucial. Some PCTs have already seen the light and invested significantly into opening up local authority facilities. Many have still not engaged. The positive outputs being generated by those within the fitness and exercise industry can only help to build the case.

In the years ahead, I hope we shall see more and more PCTs diverting their resources towards sport and physical activity, helping to create a fitter, healthier, more active nation of which we can all be proud.

4

The REPs Journal 2009;14(Sept):04-05