More than 60 people from across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire joined CSW Sport for the afternoon to launch Sport Makers, a programme for everyone who'd like to make sport happen for their friends, neighbours or colleagues.
The fun and interactive event gave the future Sport Makers the chance to find out more on becoming a Sport Maker, provided information on the types of activities they might like to set up and the opportuntiy to learn new skills to help them on their way.
Great Britain Double Olympic Cyclist Bryan Steel attended and gave an inspiring speech, explaining how volunteers have made a difference for him in his career and how Sport Makers can make a difference to them and others. Bryan Steel also led a session on the Olympic and Paralympic values, bringing them to life for the Sport Makers.
One of the first to register their interest in the event via the Sport Makers website www.sportmakers.co.uk was 41-year-old Alison Insley from
She said: “The Sport Makers programme looks fantastic, I was inspired by it and thought it was a great way of encouraging new people as well as those already involved to help deliver more sport.
“I have pledged to be involved and I think anyone with an interest in sport can take part regardless of age, race, ability or religion.
“I really enjoyed the launch event and particularly hearing from Bryan Steele, seeing his medals and hearing his story about how volunteers had helped him to represent
Sport Makers aims to inspire approx 800 people in Coventry Solhull and Warwickshire to get involved, with each of them spending at least 10 hours organising or leading sporting activities. It is open to anyone aged 16 and over.
Sport Makers is part of the Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country.
Every Sport Maker will be invited to an informal and interactive workshop or convention where they’ll gain the skills and opportunities to get involved in sport in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire. Sport Makers will be introduced to organisations that need their help, and join forces with others who want to make sport happen locally. There’ll also be opportunities to meet top athletes and plenty of incentives to stay involved.
The launch convention was organised by CSW Sport, the County Sport Partnership for Coventry Solihull and Wariwkchsire that provides the strategic lead for sport in the area. CSW Sport is one of 49 partnerships across the country whose role it is to promote sport and physical activity for all.
Please find below more images from the sucessful event
For more information on Sport Makers visit www.sportmakers.co.uk or contact Ian McLean, CSW Sport Development Manager (Clubs and Volunteers) Ian@cswsport.org.uk or 02476 574197.