National School Sport Week 2021: MP supports message of togetherness through sport
Huw Merriman, MP for the Bexhill and Battle constituency, is supporting children’s charity, the Youth Sport Trust’s message in encouraging young people to celebrate togetherness through the power of sport this summer.
Now in its 13th year, National School Sport Week looks to highlight the importance of physical education (PE) and school sport in enhancing the health and wellbeing of young people. Every year, thousands of schools and individuals across the country mark the week by holding sports days or community sporting events, encouraging active lifestyles.
This year’s National School Sport Week will take place from 19 – 25 June, under the theme of ‘Together Again’. The charity has partnered this year with the Together Coalition and hope to see a summer of games and sport, celebrating togetherness and helping young people recover from a year like no other.
Anyone can get involved in the UK-wide campaign by signing up through the Youth Sport Trust’s website to receive a free activity pack including the ultimate guide to staging an inclusive sports day, tips on how to bring young people together through sport, fun activities for parents to organise at home and advice on empowering young people to organise sporting events.
Huw is supporting the campaign and calling on schools, families and communities to get involved.
Huw said:
“It’s been an incredibly challenging year for children and young people. Many have missed out on the benefits of school sport and PE which is so important for physical and mental health. I love being involved in team sports so I’m delighted to support National School Sport Week as it provides the perfect opportunity to come together and re-socialise in a safe way this summer.
“Children who take part in school sport and good quality physical education, not only have the best chance of leading healthy active lifestyles, but also gain huge benefits in improving their wellbeing, concentration and developing character and life skills. The free resources being made available by the Youth Sport Trust are invaluable so I would encourage local schools and families to sign up. Let’s keep on playing sport with family and friends over the summer, it’s a great way for everyone to re-connect and have fun!”
Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver said:
“There is a crisis of inactivity amongst our young people, and sadly this has only worsened in recent months, with the pandemic making it difficult for children to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity.
School sport and PE is a fantastic way to get active, have fun with friends and re-socialise this summer after such a long time of being apart. Sports days don’t have to be about being the best, strongest or quickest, they are a celebration of bringing us together and learning key skills like communication, empathy, teamwork and resilience.
“In addition to sports days, we’d love to see parents to get involved with the kids at home during National School Sport Week.”
For more information and to sign up to take part in this summer’s National School Sport Week 2021 visit: www.youthsporttrust.org/join-us/national-school-sport-week
For more information on the Together coalition visit: https://together.org.uk/
