Dateline: 18th December 2009

From Natasha Howard,
Cornwall Sports Partnership.

Hello

Press release below giving information and a website link to Sported which clubs might be interested in becoming a member of.

A NEW charity which gives funding and support to sport organisations in Cornwall has been launched. Sported aims to help improve the lives of disadvantaged young people through sport. The region has been chosen for one of three pilot schemes across the UK, the others being Coventry and London.

Sir Keith Mills is behind Sported, which will focus on supporting voluntary and community groups in the sport sector.

As well as giving grants to those who need financial backing, it will support them on a continued basis with business support and advice on finance, human resources and policies and procedures.

Sported's ultimate aim is to enable groups to run more efficiently, reaching and improving the lives of underprivileged young people. A two year research project has also been commissioned, designed to look at the financial value of sport for community development in the UK.

Cornwall's only professional boxer Sam Smart has given his backing to the scheme. He said: "I feel very privileged to be the patron of Sported, Cornwall and look forward to helping the local community in whatever way I can."

Sir Mills said: "For too long thousands of small groups have done an outstanding job using sport to improve the lives of young people, but with little or no support. I am pleased Cornwall will be one of the first regions that we will be able to help."

The launch took place at Goodgrane Activity Centre near Mabe, run by BF Adventure which uses outdoor pursuits to help a range of young people.

To become a member of Sported visit www.sported.org.uk.

Kind Regards

Natasha Howard
Club Development Officer & Netball Development Officer
Cornwall Sports Partnership
Tel: 01872 323347 / 07966 892284
www.cornwallsportspartnership.co.uk
www.cornwallnetball.co.uk