Regional Conference to Tackle Sports Inequalities in Northumberland
Paralympian Stephen Miller
In the North East;
- 60% of women are NOT physically active
- 79% of people with a limiting disability are NOT physically active
- 63% of people belonging to lower socio-economic groups are NOT physically active
- 54% of people belonging to black and ethnic minority groups are NOT physically active
Statistics like these led the Regional Sport Equaity Network (which Northumberland Sport is a key partner) to organise a regional equality in sport conference, which was recently held at Durham Cricket Ground and hosted by Tyne Tees TV presentor Ian Payne and supported by sporting personalities including Northumberland's Paralympian Stephen Miller (pictured). This was aimed at like minded organisations in the region to work together to promote sporting opportunities to all and reduce inequalities in sport.
Judith Rasmussen, Regional Director with Sport England North East, said: “We truly believe now is the time to take action and it is up to us to turn these shocking and, quite frankly, unacceptable statistics around.
“The Regional Sports Equity Network created a hard hitting agenda to really get people to stand up, take notice and spur into action. We are very grateful to Stephen Miller and Victoria Igbokwe (Nike athlete) for helping us with this call to action on a subject they are both passionate about.
“Making sport available to all depends on your willingness to get involved and if you think less talk, more action, the time is now to do something about it.”
The Regional Sport Equity Network comprises Sport England North East, the English Federation of Disability Sport – North East, Northumberland Sport, Tees Valley Sport, Tyne and Wear Sport, Durham Sport and Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation.
To find out more about Northumberland Sport Equality policies and actions, please visit our Equality pages.
