British summer of sport starts to tackle obesity

Apr 29 2004

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell MP today launched her Summer of Sport campaign to underline the government's commitment to sport in the UK.

She delivered a progress report on targets announced two years ago in Game Plan, the 2002 report by the Prime Minister's strategy unit, including the ambitious target of 70% of the nation doing 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week by 2020.

And she called for national support for Sport England's Youth Games taking place at 42 venues across England this summer and for London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

The Culture Secretary met with children from a west London school at the Westway Sports Centre, built with the help of £8.7 million of government and lottery money through Sport England on reclaimed land in a deprived area.

In her Sporting Britain update the Culture Secretary outlines how:

• The government has invested more than £3billion government and lottery money in sport since 1997 and have a clear strategy for achieving a fitter nation and world-class success.
• The DCMS is working hand in hand with the Dept of Health to combat obesity. New figures out today from the government's Chief Medical Officer highlights the increase in obesity and links with disease.
• There has been unprecedented investment in facilities. Nearly £700 million has been poured into school and community sport through the New Opportunities Fund and Sport England.
• 62% of pupils now spend at least two hours a week on PE and school sport.
• 96% of schools held at least one sports day last year.

This summer around 100,000 young people will take part in the Youth Games organised through Sport England and other partners. At the same time our elite athletes will be preparing to fly the flag in Athens, our footballers will be taking part in Euro 2004 and fun-runners all over the UK will 'Go the Extra Mile' for Sport Relief.