Conference to examine sporting opportunities

Ruth Holdaway interpreted the conference theme, Opportunity Through Sport. Dr Richard Medcalf, conference organiser and Principal Lecturer, said: “The theme of the conference ties in with the University’s ethos of providing opportunities for all and there were some very interesting insights from our speakers. “We were delighted that Ruth agreed to provide our keynote speech. She spoke about the ways in which sport policy can influence the active experiences of women in sport.”

The event included presentations and discussions around topics such as using sports to help assist with stopping smoking, the value of education through sport for disadvantaged communities and why Team GB has so many medal winning independently educated athletes.

There was also a panel discussion as part of the day, led by Andy Reed, Chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance, entitled ‘A sporting manifesto for 2015’.

The conference was the fifth annual European Sport Development Network (ESDN) and was held at the Performance Hub at Walsall Campus on Tuesday September 9.

The conference was developed in partnership with the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the Black BeActive Partnership and Sport4Life.

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact Emma Pugh in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736.

Date Issued: Thursday, 11 September 2014