Olympian inspires guests at Herts Sports and Physical Activity Partnership AGM

Three-time Olympic athlete and former 5,000m world record holder David Moorcroft is the director of sport at The Join In Trust, working directly with Join In’s network of local volunteer leaders and community sports clubs.

He talked about the power that volunteering in local sport has to transform both people’s lives and their communities; emphasising the variety of benefits and value created through sports volunteering, he referred to volunteers as the county’s ‘hidden diamonds.’

The next agenda item was the launch and cheque presentation for the Healthy and Active in Herts project. Adam Rigarlsford, strategic lead for Sport England, presented a cheque for £500,000 as one of just 16 successful grants across the country.

Healthy and Active in Herts is a unique three-year programme in which physical activity specialists will work in GP surgeries to support people who are at risk of cardio vascular disease, and those who have mental health issues.

Cabinet Member for Public Health, Localism and Libraries, Teresa Heritage who accepted the cheque, said: “We recognise the considerable effect that physical activity has on the health, wellbeing and life chances of our residents.

“One in four adults in Hertfordshire does less than 30 minutes’ physical activity a week; increasing these levels is a clear priority for us as there are so many benefits to be gained from regularly taking part.”

The final presentation was made by Emma Boggis, chief executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance - the umbrella organisation for the governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK.

Her speech gave guests an insight into the work and focus of the Sport and Recreation Alliance and a glimpse of the high level strategic and political activity that influences community sport.

HSP chairman Grahame Bowles was delighted with the evening, saying: “I am proud that we are able to attract such high profile guests to our AGM and am fascinated to hear about their work.

“It is always good to celebrate the work of HSP and meet up with colleagues in sport from around the county. ”

To find out more about the work of Herts Sports Partnership, please visit www.sportinherts.org.uk.