Gibraltar found various resources totalling in the region of £80 million to invest in a diverse and impressive range of facilities including a multi-use complex at an old military base. That included new badminton and squash courts, gym and class facilities, a 50-metre eight- lane pool, a running track, a full size artificial pitch and much more. A state-of-the-art shooting range was also built near the ferry terminal. Virtually all the sports involved in the games benefitted in some way from investment in impressive new venues aimed at attracting international events to the Rock. This has already started to happen with Gibraltar hosting a large international snooker tournament recently.
Jersey invested just £3m in our sports facilities prior to the 2015 Games, or less than a tenth what Gibraltar spent four years later. Imagine the journey we could have been on creating a legacy for the not just the next generation of sports people but Islanders in general.
So what do we need to do now? The recent sports strategy for the island ‘Inspiring an Active Jersey‘ not only sets out a clear path to deliver better physical and mental health, it also highlights the need for ‘Inspiring Active Places‘ where we can achieve the improvements in physical activity targeted in the strategy. Our current facilities and dedicated staff provide a good offering, under the banner of the ‘Active Card‘ scheme. However, it is important we provide ease of access and affordability for all islanders.
When I was the political lead for sport, I was keen to design and implement a longer-term plan to finally deliver new sports infrastructure that all islanders could use to stay fit and active. There was a need to understand what was required and any likely timescale for delivery as it was obvious there were other major projects such as a new
hospital requiring high levels of capital investment which would likely take precedence.
Some may believe that sports facilities are just a nice-to-have when compared to a new hospital or school. But if we really want to improve the health of islanders and thereby limit the burden on our precious health service, then in reality it’s an absolute necessity. For example, the Jersey Care Model aims to reduce preventable diseases to help limit the spiraling cost of the health service. The current strategic plan for the first time also has the health and wellbeing of islanders as a key priority. To support
both, it is vital quality sports facilities are readily available and accessible to all. With the advice of a specialist UK sports consultancy, government has produced a comprehensive long-term strategy. Following wide consultation both within and outside government, the document looked at potential needs taking into account the state of the current facilities and what will be needed at which location.
Currently, those living in St.Helier and the west are generally well served with sports facilities. Unfortunately, those living in the east are not so well looked after and that imbalance needs to be addressed.
Beyond 20/20 - Sport
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