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)

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