Neil Hamilton, MS for Mid & West Wales, and Leader of UKIP Wales has welcomed news of a financial boost to help the sport and leisure sector in Wales.
Mr Hamilton, a member of the Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs committee, has backed the £14million package aimed at supporting those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: “The challenges faced by sports clubs, organisations and independent providers because of the crisis is immense and I am pleased to see the Welsh Government recognising that fact.
“Some leisure centres and clubs in my Region are still not fully open and have an uphill battle to keep going in these very difficult times.
“I welcome any funding which will help them meet the ongoing challenges and provide assistance with longer-term planning.
“It is vital the sport and leisure sector remains open to all for our future health and well- being and I would urge my constituents to make sure they also support them as they battle to survive.”
The ‘Sport and Leisure Recovery Fund’ will support the sector with the ongoing challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and provide longer-term sustainability.
The fund is intended to provide essential support to sports clubs and organisations, independent providers and sporting events who have all faced significant challenges during the crisis and continue to be severely impacted. The fund will help in driving innovation for local authority leisure centres and Leisure Trusts to complement the Hardship Fund for local government.
The funding package will be allocated to Sport Wales and managed by them on the Welsh Government’s behalf.
Sarah Powell, Sport Wales Chief Executive, said: “ Physical activity was a lifeline for many during the pandemic and the sector has been working incredibly hard over the past six months, utilising funding designed to help the clubs, groups and organisations whose main role has been to enable communities throughout Wales to enjoy being active safely.
“The challenge to protect organisations, facilities and jobs remains paramount and we are delighted that through the Sport and Leisure Rescue Package additional support can soon be provided.
“Importantly, not everyone in Wales has the same opportunity to access sport and physical activity. The pandemic has sadly shown that many of the inequalities which already existed in sports participation, have been intensified, with far too many people missing out on the benefits that being active can bring.
“Addressing this must be a priority for everyone involved in sport and the Sport Rescue Package will also focus on those partners and providers who are developing innovative ways to overcome the barriers to sport that currently exist for communities across Wales.
“For clubs and groups looking for immediate support I would urge them to consider the Be Active Wales Fund which has already protected hundreds of clubs and is helping them to prepare for a safe and responsible return to sport. We will now work at pace with partners and the Welsh Government to ensure the funding is distributed efficiently and effectively to reach those that have the greatest need.”
