The Northern Ireland Sports Forum (NISF) has joined the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s “Speak Up For Sport” campaign and is encouraging governing bodies, clubs, athletes and volunteers across Northern Ireland to support the initiative.
The campaign highlights the significant social, health and economic benefits delivered by sport and physical activity and calls on policymakers to recognise the sector’s importance and provide the support needed for it to thrive.
For many sports across Northern Ireland, National Lottery funding remains the lifeblood of participation and performance sport, supporting National Governing Bodies, clubs, coaches and athletes through investment distributed by organisations such as Sport NI. From grassroots participation programmes to elite athlete development, Lottery funding has played a crucial role in ensuring opportunities are available at every level of sport.
As pressures on public finances continue, NISF believes it is more important than ever for the sporting community to speak with one voice and demonstrate the value that sport delivers to individuals, communities and society as a whole.
NISF Executive Manager, Richard Honeyford said:
“Sport and physical activity make a transformational contribution to communities across Northern Ireland. National Lottery investment, distributed through organisations such as Sport NI, supports governing bodies, clubs and athletes in every corner of the country. The Speak Up For Sport campaign provides an important opportunity for the sector to unite and highlight the impact of this investment while making the case for continued support.”
“We encourage all sports organisations in Northern Ireland to engage with the campaign, share their stories and help ensure that decision-makers understand the vital role sport plays in improving health, wellbeing, community cohesion and economic growth.”
NISF is inviting its members and the wider sporting community to get involved by sharing examples of the positive impact sport is having in their communities and by backing the campaign’s call for greater recognition and investment in sport and recreation.
- For more information and to support the campaign, visit: https://sportandrecreation.org.uk/campaigns-and-policy/campaigns-and-influencing/speak-up-for-sport
- You can respond to the Government’s Call for Evidence here: National Lottery Good Causes: Fund what matters to you – GOV.UK. The Call for Evidence closes at midday on 23 September.
Your participation will help strengthen the case for sport and recreation across the UK and Northern Ireland and help ensure continued support and investment to the sector from a critical funding source.
