About Sport wales
Sport Wales: Promoting a Healthier and More Active Nation
Sport Wales is the national organisation responsible for developing and promoting sport and physical activity in Wales. The organisation's mission is to make Wales a more active, healthier nation by encouraging people of all ages to participate in sports and physical activities.
Sport Wales was established in 1972 as the Sports Council for Wales. Since then, it has been working tirelessly to promote sports and physical activities across the country. The organisation works with various partners, including local authorities, schools, clubs, governing bodies of sport, and other organisations that share its vision of promoting an active lifestyle.
The Importance of Physical Activity
Physical activity is essential for maintaining good health. It helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and some cancers. Regular exercise also improves mental health by reducing stress levels and improving mood.
Despite these benefits, many people in Wales are not getting enough exercise. According to Sport Wales' latest survey on adult participation in sport (2019), only 43% of adults meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity.
This is where Sport Wales comes in - by providing opportunities for people to get involved in sports or other forms of physical activity at all levels - from grassroots to elite performance.
What Does Sport Wales Do?
Sport Development
One of Sport Wale's primary roles is developing sport across all levels - from grassroots through to elite performance. This includes supporting clubs with funding opportunities or training programmes that help them develop their skills or facilities.
The organisation also works closely with governing bodies of sport (GBS) such as Welsh Athletics or Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to ensure they have access to resources needed for athlete development programmes or coaching courses.
Active Young People
Sport plays an important role in young people's lives; it helps them develop social skills while keeping them healthy both physically and mentally. Therefore Sport wales focuses on creating opportunities for young people to participate in sports and physical activities.
The organisation works with schools, colleges, and universities to provide opportunities for young people to get involved in sports. It also provides funding for clubs that offer programmes specifically designed for young people.
Elite Performance
Sport Wales is committed to supporting elite athletes from Wales. The organisation provides funding and support services such as physiotherapy or nutrition advice, which help athletes achieve their full potential.
Sport Wales also works closely with the Welsh Institute of Sport (WIS) - a high-performance centre that provides world-class training facilities for elite athletes from across the country.
Major Events
Sport Wales plays a significant role in hosting major sporting events across the country. These events not only promote sport but also boost tourism and economic growth in local communities.
In recent years, Sport Wales has been involved in hosting several major events such as the Commonwealth Games 2014 held in Glasgow or UEFA Women's Champions League Final 2020 held at Cardiff City Stadium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sport Wales is an essential organisation that promotes sport and physical activity across all levels - from grassroots through to elite performance. The organisation's mission is to make Wales a more active, healthier nation by encouraging people of all ages to participate in sports and physical activities.
Through its various programmes and partnerships with other organisations, Sport wales has been successful in promoting sport across the country while providing opportunities for everyone regardless of age or ability level. With its commitment towards creating an active nation, it's no wonder why Sport wales continues to be one of the leading organisations promoting sports development within Wales.
sportwales.org.uk