Baroness Tanni Grey-thompson Sets Out Goals In Final Speech

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has used her last conference speech as Chair of ukactive to set out how the sector and Government can work together in a shared ambition to increase activity levels – and the opportunity to use the 2022 Commonwealth Games as a springboard.

In a compelling speech at ukactive Conference in London, she reflected on how ukactive and the sector have progressed during her six-year tenure, laying the foundations for a partnership with Government that can drive major change.

The conference, which took place at the Guildhall, saw more than 500 leaders from the worlds of business, health, fitness, sport and Government come together to discuss the recovery and development of the sector.

Baroness Grey-Thompson, who will step down as Chair in August 2022, said: “Backing the major drivers of activity could lead to a global event, such as the Commonwealth Games in 2022, having a greater legacy for activity than London 2012 ever had. 

“This is something our government has in its grasp – let us not squander this opportunity which would be transformative for our nation.  

“I want to see us create a partnership that sees the Government use all the levers at its disposal to support the sector’s development and enable more people to be active. 

“Our analysis shows that we can attract more than five million new people to use gyms, pools, and leisure centres on a regular basis by 2030.

“Memberships could grow by more than half by 2030, sparking a revolution in the UK’s physical activity levels. And this growth would support the health and fitness needs of well over 20% of the UK population – up from 15% penetration before the pandemic.  

“Let there be no doubt that this will have a transformative impact on activity levels across the nation.”

Looking back at the past 18 months, she described how the sector has come together and strengthened its ties with Sport England, key policymakers, and the Government, which she said now understands more about the sector than at any moment during her time as ukactive Chair.

She spoke about how the pandemic saw the sector set a benchmark for other sectors and how proactive it was to ensure that it was safe for people to return to facilities.

Her opening speech was followed by Sir Keith Mills, the Government’s adviser on incentivising healthier lifestyles, who shared an update on his vision and plans, and the importance of the physical activity sector’s role in driving health improvements.

The event also saw the new Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Nadine Dorries, deliver her first speech on the sector, acknowledging its essential work and the opportunities to deliver on the Government’s ambitions.