Physical literacy and sportin Northern Ireland

John News

Participation Manager

Sport Northern Ireland

Purpose

To provide an overview of Sport Northern Ireland and the strategic context within which this work has developed (problems, needs and failures)

To highlight (SNI) policy and strategic responses

To consider the process through which ‘physical literacy’ has developed in Northern Ireland

Sport Northern Ireland

Recreation and Youth Services (NI) Order (1986)

Primary purpose in legislation:“to advise …government, education and library boards, district council and other

bodies on matters relating to sport and physical recreation…”

Council of Europe definition of sport“All forms of physical activity which through casual or organised participation, aim

at expressing or improving physical fitness and mental wellbeing, forming social relationships or obtaining results in competition at all levels”

Three main functions: Development Advocacy Investment

The policy environment (1)

Pre-2004 Strategy for the Development of sport in Northern

Ireland 1997-2005Starting WellStaying InvolvedStriving for Excellence

Development process 2004-2006 Balyi and an ‘athlete’ focus All island dimension Engagement with education

The policy environment (2)

Post-2004…All-Island Sports Development Conference, Nov. 2004Challenging Inertia, May 2005Physical Literacy, May 2005Home Country Sports Councils CEF, June 2005Home Countries Physical Literacy Forum, Oct. 2005 SNI operational response, Feb. 2006Northern Ireland Physical Literacy Forum, Aug. 2006 et seq.External policy context – devolution, Bain Review, Review of

Public Administration, obesity etc etc

Today…Strategy for Sport & Physical Recreation 2008-2018

Strategy for Sport & Physical Recreation 2008-2018

“…a culture of enjoyment and success in sport…”

PARTICIPATION

PERFORMANCE

Opportunities

Workforce

PLACES

Lifelong Involvement in Sport & Physical Activity (LISPA) Framework

Operational & research map

Health

Education

Sport

Community

2006 – 2010, SNI >£4m investment developing physical literacy & lifelong involvement in sport; additional anticipated investment of

£14m in the period 2009-2013