DESPITE last year’s delays caused by Covid, Jersey Sport says it is still on target to achieve a 10% increase in physical activity among Islanders by 2030.
In its annual report for 2021, published yesterday, the sports body said it had been able to continue with its plans for more opportunities for sport and exercise and to reduce the inequalities in sports provision that persist.
Chief executive Catriona McAllister explained that the Inspiring Active Places Strategy, adopted in conjunction with the government, started early last year.
She said: ‘The strategy aims to invest over £100 million in new facilities – the first of which will be Le Rocquier Sport and Wellbeing Hub and FB Fields Sport and Wellbeing Park.
‘These projects are in addition to existing plans, including the skate park at Les Quennevais and improvements and expansion at Springfield and Oakfield sports centres.
‘This significant investment in sport is an exciting time for Jersey and will create huge opportunities which will support sports participation and active living.’
She added: ‘A new challenge emerged during 2021 as Islanders, particularly the elderly and least active, struggled physically and mentally from the impacts of the pandemic.
‘Our Move More Jersey team launched new programmes, in partnership with Mind Jersey, to support these Islanders, as well as new parents who had been isolated from normal post-natal interactions.’
The Bikeability programme, teaching children how to cycle safely, was offered in 27 primary schools, Ms McAllister said, adding: ‘Giving children access to these programmes supports them in developing a positive attitude to physical activity and to becoming healthy, active teenagers and adults.
‘I am immensely proud of the things we have achieved, and look forward to playing a larger role in reducing the gender inequality gap and making sport more fair and equitable in 2022.’
The full annual report can be found at jerseysport.je/about-us/annual-report.
