HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc125-6W
Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what actions she has taken to encourage adults in Crosby constituency to participate in sport and regular exercise. [116283]

Mr. Caborn

It is the Government"s policy to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity in all areas of the country and among all groups. Lottery funding both through the Lottery Sports Fund and the New Opportunities Fund has been made available for the provision of new sports facilities in Crosby. Sport England has awarded three community lottery awards in the Crosby constituency totalling £519,229 towards total project costs of £703,181, and 35 awards for all grants totalling £130,481. In addition Sefton LEA"s allocation under the New Opportunities Fund PE and sport programme is £3,331,000 towards facilities that will be available to the wider community. Sport England also provided advice in the project to secure the recently opened replacement for Crosby Baths, and will be providing advice on design and planning issues for a second public pool in the Crosby constituency.

Mrs. Curtis-Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what actions she has taken to encourage school children in the Sefton LEA area to participate in sport. [116284]

Mr. Caborn

The Government are committed to increasing and improving opportunities for all young people to participate in sporting activities both within and beyond the curriculum. For this reason, the joint DCMS/DfES national strategy for PE, school sport and club links is investing a total of £459 million over three years (from April 2003). Since April 2001 Sefton has been involved in the School Sport Co-ordinator programme with Chesterfield High School being designated as a Specialist Sports College and acting as a hub site for a partnership of local schools. Stanley High School is in the process of being similarly designated and all schools in Sefton will eventually be involved in the programme. In addition, the New Opportunities PE and Sport programme aims to bring about a step change in the provision of sports facilities for young people. Sefton LEA has been allocated £3,331,000 for this.

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