Community
Sporting opportunities in safer & stronger communities.
Sport is on the national agenda especially with the 2012 Olympic Games in London on the horizon. The journey towards standing on the podium or working in the Olympic village as a volunteer starts in the local community by widening the base of participation and providing opportunities for everyone to be included... thus enabling Olympic dreams to become a reality.
Sport can make an important contribution to the physical infrastructure of communities, providing a social focus for a community and affecting people’s perception of their neighbourhood. All of us live in a community and sport is one agent that can strengthen communities by bringing people together united by a common passion, interest and goal. Sport can be used as an engagement tool in order to address issues such as tackling anti-social behaviour and working towards achieving community cohesion. Sport brings benefit to all the community as an enjoyable leisure activity and as a contributor to everyone’s quality of life. Sport can be important to local people and brings fun, challenge and competition, as well as opportunities for social interaction as part of leisure time activities. Access to quality sports facilities or services that meet local needs can positively influence a community’s perceptions of their local area, particularly for children and young people.
Safe and sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work. Sport can be a powerful tool in engaging all sections of the community and can bring people from all walks of life together, to share positive experiences and gain a greater understanding of each others way of life. A strong community is one where people fell that they belong. Participation in sport and volunteering can strengthen that sense of well-being and contribute to personal development. For more information on Community Sport, please contact Caroline Johnson - Snr Sports Manager {Community} T:01604 237265 E: cmjohnson@northamptonshire.gov.uk