All Together Now

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Sport England's 3rd Regional Sports Conference at Center Parcs, Longleat Forest on 27/28 February 2008 set out to explore together how we can realise the vision in the South West of 200,000 more people taking part in sport and active recreation by 2012.
Following Ged Roddy's introduction (4.4 Mb ppt) and thanks to sponsors and to FSWSO and NGBs for enabling volunteers to attend, Head of Sport for ITV West Country, Mark Tyler introduced a full Day 1 programme which included:

- Real People / Real Projects
Showcasing some of the successful projects making a real difference and providing great ideas for projects in your area! Click to view

a presentation (9.7 Mb ppt) by Chi Kung coach Andy Wright
a video of Community Sports Coach of the Year, Sarah Binding, and

information on the CREST Project (42.6 Mb) in North Cornwall from Gareth Dix and Geoff Samuels.

- More best practice examples from:

ASA SW Region's talent development programme (8.1 Mb ppt) and
the RFU's Go Play Rugby initiative (17.8 Mb ppt)

- Workshops and activities (2.8 Mb ppt)

Jennie Price, Chief Executive of Sport England outlined the current political environment and the consultation and discussions surrounding the future direction of the organisation. Formerly Chief Executive of The Waste and Resources Action Programme, Jennie developed the strategic plan for WRAP which helped to double England's recycling rate. She highlighted lessons to be learned from their experience of delivering a simple consistent message and being bold, unusual and aiming high. Download keynote presentation (3.16 Mb ppt)

Jim Clarke, Regional Director of Sport England South West looked back at the Regional Plan, critical success factors and the value of delivering in partnership. Although many targets for community sport have been exceeded, there are still lessons to be learned as we build a world leading community sports system. Download Jim Clarke's presentation (24.3Mb ppt)

Sharron Davies (Olympic Silver medallist and TV Sport presenter), Alan Qualtrough (Regional Editorial Director for South West Media Group) and Peter Jones (RSB member and advisor on strategic marketing and communication) explored the role of the media and hpw advocacy can influence the public to change their lifestyle habits. View presentations by Sharron Davies (33.9 Mb ppt) and on how we get our message out to communities (2.9 Mb ppt)

Jane Henderson, CEO of South West RDA introduced Day 2 presenters (4.6 Mb ppt) who provided a series of keynote addresses on leadership

'Skills to achieve the impossible' by social entreneur and founder of the Big Issue, Dr John Bird MBE
'Is Leadership the key?' by Dr Louise Makin of BTG whose endurance feats have raised thousands for the Bendrigg Trust
'Influencing others to achieve the vision' (1.9 Mb ppt) by trained engineer, musician and hostage negotiator John Potter
Reflections on opportunities ahead by Jonathan Edwards CBE, Olympic and World Champion athlete

More photos from the Conference:

On target

Dr John Bird

Gareth Dix and Geoff Samuels

Sharron Davies

Jonathan Edwards

View 2008 Conference video highlights