High performance sport in Bristol and the West of England will be the focus of a special Bristol Sport evening tonight [Thursday, 6 April] dedicated to sport in the region. Sue Campbell, Chair of UK Sport, will deliver a keynote speech at the event, to be held at the University of Bristol in The Hawthorns from 6 to 8 pm.
The event, sponsored by the West of England Sport Trust, will bring together top-level representatives from across many different sports bodies and organisations. Sport England and West of England Sport Trust, University of Bristol and Bristol City Council will all be taking part in an open discussion of high performance sport development and to also consider the implications of the 2012 Olympics on sport in Bristol and the region.
Sue Campbell, Chair of UK Sport, said: "London 2012 has provided us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform performance sport in Britain. UK Sport has set the sporting community the challenging goal of finishing fourth in the Olympic medal table and top of the Paralympic table.
“Our role now is to ensure they have all the funding, expertise and support in place to make this a reality. The result, we hope, will be the most successful Games ever for Britain and, more importantly, a long-lasting legacy in terms of sporting infrastructure and facilities that can benefit the whole nation. I am delighted to have the opportunity to share UK Sport's vision for 2012 and beyond, and discuss the impact this could have on the South West region."
Bob Reeves, Chair of Bristol Sport’s high performance focus group and Director of Sport at the University of Bristol said: “We are delighted that Sue Campbell made time to attend this event. Bristol Sport supports sport at all levels, but in relation to Sue’s visit, we will focus on the development of high-level sport in particular. It is very rare that those with a stake in high-level sport in Bristol ever meet to share their experience and knowledge. Sue’s visit will launch a new, united approach to high performance sport development and future meetings of Bristol Sport and this focus group will build on this initiative.”
Bristol Sport is a major city-wide initiative to promote sport and physical activity from grass roots level to elite performance. Partner organisations are committed to sport, physical activity and health. Bristol Sport is inclusive of all communities, sports, local sporting events and sports education.
The high performance focus group aims to maximise the potential of leading clubs and individuals and develop a framework within the city that facilitates world-class sports performance.
UK Sport works in partnership with the home country sports councils and other agencies to lead sport in the UK to world-class success. It is committed to developing home grown expertise to support our athletes.