Sport in the spotlight as Mayor targets healthier communities

 The power of sport was highlighted as the Mayor of the East Midlands gathered dozens of people to discuss how physical activity can improve communities. 

Conversations with Mayor Claire: Sport and Communities brought together partners across the East Midlands to discuss how physical activity can improve health and wellbeing, build safer, stronger and more connected communities, and contribute to the visitor economy 

Almost 100 people flocked to the event – the Mayor’s third summer engagement event following sessions focused on skills, and green growth – which was held at Derby County Football Club‘s Pride Park Stadium. 

Mayor Claire said: “When people think about Mayors, their powers, and priorities, sport is not always at the top of the list, but I consider it to be one of the most powerful social goods.  It can do it all. It can grow our economy, improve our health, and bring us closer together. 

“Sport builds and nurtures solidarity, reciprocity, and shared identity – we come together around the teams we support, the activities we choose, and through playing sports together.  It improves health and wellbeing: not just physical health as we become stronger, more capable, and more dextrous, but also with better mental health.  

“And sport makes places great. There are cities which are known globally – our cities included – because of the teams that are based there and bear their name. 

After a keynote speech from Mayor Claire, delegates heard from a panel of guests about the power of physical activity in communities. Panellists included Derbyshire County Council assistant director of public health Dr Robin Wight, Support Through Sport chief executive officer (CEO) Tranai Todd and Nottingham Forest Community Trust CEO Calum Osborne. 

This was followed by a round-table discussion where delegates were asked how to ensure the benefits of physical activity reach people and communities who are currently least likely to participate, what lessons we can learn from where sport is already making a difference to East Midlands communities and what the barriers are to improving the impact of sport and physical activity. 

The discussions were designed to showcase what is already working across the region and provide an opportunity to share learning, identify what drives impact and consider how this can be scaled. The aim is to develop a vision to maximise the contribution of sport to thriving communities, and the profile, vibrancy and attractiveness of the region.   

Conversations with Mayor Claire, which are open to residents, local authorities, businesses, and community leaders, provide a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the Mayor. They offer a platform for the Mayor to connect with attendees, hear their perspectives and explore local priorities. 

Summer of Sport

The latest event came during the Mayor’s Summer of Sport. During July and August, the Mayor is encouraging people across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to Watch, Walk/Wheel, Pledge or Play and find ways to be more active.  The initiative is placing particular emphasis on the importance of sport for young people, and especially young girls, helping them to build confidence, resilience, teamwork and ambition. 

Mayor Claire said: “I want to encourage more people across the region to get active and take part in  exercise and active travel as a way of developing habits and hobbies that contribute to a healthy, active lifestyle. I want people to watch sport, walk more, play locally, and – most importantly – pledge to stay active.”