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" This document on The Value of Sport responds to the challenge: 'Why invest in sport?' It draws on the best scientific evidence available," [in 1999] "combined with local examples of good practice, to demonstrate that sport can make a difference to people's lives and to the communities in which they live. It shows that for every pound invested in sport there are multiple returns in terms of, for example, improved health for the individual and less demand on the health service by those of middle and older age, reduced criminal behaviour among young people, and economic regeneration and improved employment opportunities.
Sport is part of the culture of this country. It touches us all, whether we are participants, spectators or volunteers. Our quality of life is significantly enhanced by it. Sport entertains us; it gives us the opportunity for self-expression; it provides us with a sense of camaraderie and friendship; it enables us to stretch ourselves mentally and physically; it teaches us how to win and how to lose; it helps us appreciate and value our natural environment.
However, sport needs to demonstrate tangible benefits to individuals, communities and the nation as a whole, if it is to compete with many other worthy causes for a share of limited public resources.
There is evidence in this document to show that sport has the ability to overcome social barriers and empower individuals. It can help to reduce social exclusion, promote lifelong learning, and provide opportunities for engagement in community life through voluntary work.
This document is aimed at those who hold the pursestrings in health, and in economic, social and environmental regeneration, at national, regional and local level. In particular we expect sport to feature strongly on the 'Best Value' agenda of local authorities and in the work of the new Regional Development Agencies."
Sport and Best Value
Best Value was a part of New Labour's wider modernisation programme aimed at bringing councils closer to their communities and promoting the role of councils in community leadership and governance. There was a statutory duty upon all local authorities to meet the requirements of Best Value as set out in the Local Government Bill published on 30th September 1998. Best Value applied to all local authorities as from 1st April 2000.
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