It is also the central mission of Uniting the Movement, born of that extraordinary time, that remains for me the greatest element still to be delivered.
Whilst we have done much together to set the conditions and change the language used across grassroots sport and activity, we have not yet meaningfully moved the dial.
The challenges ahead
Action is now needed truly to start to close the gaps that exist – for the near-quarter of the population that still do fewer than 30 mins of activity a week; and in particular those from historically marginalised parts of the country and communities who have previously been less well served.
We need to do more to align being active with the provision of public health and recognise that the power that a more preventative approach can take.
We need to continue to protect our playing fields and the places and spaces where people can play.
More than anything, we need to make sure that as a nation we prioritise provision and opportunity for our children and young people so that they can build the physical and mental resilience and sense of purpose and agency that we know sport can provide.
All of this will mean being ever more effective and efficient in a world where resources are scarce and demands on the public purse remain huge.
The future health of The National Lottery is vital here – two thirds of Sport England’s funding is received via its returns to good causes. Sport England itself will need to change to become better and slicker in its delivery and use of data and digital services.
Ultimately though, it will depend on a sector’s willingness and ability to collaborate effectively. Truly to understand the communities in which we are seeking to deliver and how best to serve them.
In the words of a man called Majid Hussain, from Clemency House in Oldham, whom I met on my very first visit in the role, to strive everyday to ensure we “don’t make us more like you”.
It has been the greatest of privileges for the past seven years to lead Sport England.
With a fantastic Chair in Chris Boardman, a great new CEO in Simon Hayes and a wonderful team of people in place, I have no doubt that the next stage of its delivery and the collective journey of Uniting the Movement will achieve amazing things.
The health and happiness of a nation depends on it.