Sport Makers Launch - You're Chance to be a Sporting Hero!
Northumberland Programme Launch
Northumberland Sport officially launched the Sport Makers programme in the county on 17 October 2011 at a local 'Back to Netball' session in Ponteland. These sessions have been a real success since they began early in 2011 and participants (many of who have not played netball for years) are considered ideal Sport Maker candidates because they've been able to encourage friends and work colleagues to join them in participating on a weekly basis.
"Having two young daughters made it difficult to get involved in sport with all the extra responsibilities they bring, so when I heard about the 'Back to Netball' sessions from friends, I jumped at the chance. Since starting earlier this year, I've been encouraging friends to join in and as a result of getting more players, we've now began to play some competitive games, which has added to our enjoyment.
Sport Makers sounds like a great way to get more people playing sport like we've began to do in our netball sessions and I would be interested to find out more."
I found out about the 'Back to Netball' sessions through
I would definitely welcome the opportunity to become a local Sport Maker as I will be looking to encourage friends like me to get involved in sport."
Please visit our Netball pages for more information about Back to Netball and further opportunities to get involved in Netball.
National Launch
Five-time Olympic Gold medalist, Sir Steve Redgrave, today unveiled a new way for people to become sporting heroes in Northumberland.
Sir Steve, our greatest Olympian, has joined forces with Sport England and Northumberland Sport to launch Sport Makers, a programme for everyone who'd like to make sport happen for their friends, neighbours or colleagues.
Sir Steve said: "You don't need medals to become a sporting hero. By helping people you know to get involved in sport you'll be doing something amazing for your friends and local community as well as having fun yourself.
"The thing I want to see more than anything is more people out enjoying what sport has to offer, but we need your help to make it happen.
"So why not take your first step to becoming a sporting hero and visit www.sportmakers.co.uk"
Doug Lowery, Executive Director for Northumberland Sport said:
"We're really excited about the Sport Makers programme in Northumberland and are looking forward to providing the skills, knowledge and opportunities for people to get their work colleagues, friends and family members playing more sport."
Today's launch was welcomed by the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP. He said:
"The volunteers that help out at local sports clubs up and down the country are the foundations of community sport. The new Sport Makers initiative is a key part of the London 2012 sports legacy and will help community sports clubs across the country get more people playing sport."
Over 50% of adults in England say they'd like to play more sport but many people don't feel they have the time, money or confidence to get involved in a formal setting.
Sport England's Chair, Richard Lewis, said:
"This is a great chance to get involved in making sport happen in Northumberland, whether that's planning the route, finding the pitch or encouraging others to take part.
"So if you think you could help, or have your own ideas for getting others involved in sport, please join in as a Sport Maker and become part of the legacy of the London 2012 Games."
The programme is backed by the British Olympic Association, whose Chair, Lord Moynihan, said: "Sport Makers will help contribute to an active and vibrant grassroots sporting environment, through which opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sport will be expanded. It will reinforce the ideals of the Olympic and Paralympic movement, demonstrating how they are relevant to every level of sport."
What this means for Northumberland?
For local information on the Sport Makers programme in Northumberland, please visit our dedicated Sport Makers pages.
