‘Fit for the Future’ progress report published

31 March 2017

The third annual progress report on the ‘Fit or the Future’ sport and physical activity strategy has been published today (31 March 2017).

Fit for the Future annual report 2016

The report identifies what progress was made in 2016 to meet the strategy’s aims in four key areas: ‘Getting active, staying active’; ‘Spaces and places’; ‘Personal bests’; ‘Organisation’.

The States supported the strategy by providing an extra £4.5m to improve existing and new sport facilities in the run-up to the 2015 NatWest Island Games, with a further £1.5m to implement initiatives contained in ‘Fit or the Future’.

The Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture Assistant Minister with responsibility for Sport, Connétable Steve Pallett, said “I am delighted to be able to present this report, which clearly demonstrates the results of the excellent work being carried out by staff employed by the Sport Development Team, governing bodies and countless volunteers, who continue to provide numerous opportunities for many Islanders to participate and develop in sport. I am grateful to them all and thank them for a job very well done.

“2016 was a pivotal year for sport in Jersey, with the Jersey Sport Shadow Board presenting their 'Sport Report' and its recommendations to me in September. A proposition to formally establish Jersey Sport has just been lodged and I am hopeful that my States colleagues will endorse Jersey Sport as the new independent body and voice for sport when it is debated in May.

“Having formal States endorsement for the new organisation will, I believe, begin an exciting new chapter for the development of sport in the Island.”

Sports Development Manager, David Kennedy, said “Much work by many people has taken place throughout 2016, and this report aims to highlight the benefits of these efforts, particularly the health, educational and social benefits. Through the ‘Fit for the Future’ strategy, officers and volunteers have had a clear plan for the delivery of sport in Jersey for the last three years.

“Whilst much has been achieved, we continue to plan for the future, as such the introduction of our physical literacy programme is starting to provide us with valuable data that will shape our programmes for years to come.”