Saturday, June 26, 2010

Tory/Lib Dem Coalition Ministers announce launching of school 'Olympics', competitive sport is revived in England at grassroots level










Dear All

The Tories have come out with a policy for English schools, competitive sport is set to be revived.

To that end they are launching a national competition based around the Olympics.

The English initiative will be announced by the Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Education Secretary Michael Gove at the City of London Academy this Monday.

Since taking office the Tories have put forward a raft of initiatives which have merit, mind you when you spend 13 years in opposition, you are bound to think of something.

Essential they are trying to create a lasting sporting legacy after the 2012 London Olympics.

Competitive sport generally is coupled with accelerated learning of both a mental and physical level.

Education as I have always said is the key to success.

The schools competition will be funded directly by cash from the National Lottery but aside from the money, coaching will be involved, events covered by the initiative include a wide range of sports such as football, rugby, netball, golf, cricket, tennis, athletics, judo, gymnastics, swimming, table tennis, cycling and volleyball.

Sport does more than merely get you healthy; it encourages teamwork, dedication, respect for others and achieving technical excellence.

It in general it can be used to turn out better people.

2011 will see schools will compete against each other in district leagues, winning athletes and teams qualifying for up to 60 county finals, with the most talented then selected for national finals.

This can also be a route to higher education as some universities both here and abroad offer scholarships.

UK Culture Minister Jeremy Hunt said:

"I want to give a real boost to competitive sport in schools using the power of hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games to encourage young people - whatever age or ability - to take part in this new competition. Sport - whether you win or lose - teaches young people great lessons for life. It encourages teamwork, dedication and striving to be the best that you can be."

Properly run and funded, this could see a grassroots revival for sport in England which for some could lead to a sporting career.

The Tories may have found a winning strategy in many ways to also tackle some of the pressing social problems affecting the young.

It is worth letting this run to see where it takes them.

Yours sincerely

George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University

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