The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) aims to improve the quality of life for all through providing better sporting opportunities at every level. Sport is very powerful both in the pursuit of excellence and helping to tackle social and health problems. The 2004 Spending Review will bring £431 million from central government for sport over the period 2005 to 2008.
More information on the national picture
The Regional Plan for Sport aims to:
- increase participation in sport in the region by everyone
- improve the health of the region
- increase the economic benefits that come from sport
We are working with Sport England and the Regional Sports Board for the West Midlands to ensure that sport contributes to our objective of developing strong, safe and sustainable communities.
Around 605,000 people are members of sports clubs in the West Midlands, and many more take part in sport on an informal basis either as individual or through sports centres. Sport is also an important part of our regional economy, sports events attract 600,000 people a year and generate £19 million, there are 4,000 sports businesses in the West Midlands employing 60,000 people.
London 2012 Games
London has won the right to host the Olympic Games in 2012. Considerable benefits are anticipated both for the UK and for the region, for example in raising the profile of sport and physical activity for health, and leaving a lasting legacy through the development of sports facilities for training the athletes.
Government offices are one of a number of regional partners who support the games. We support regional groups that aim to realise the benefits from the Olympics in the Region.
For more information please contact the Regional Policy Team.
The West Midlands and the 2012 Olympics
The Government has committed itself to ensuring that all parts of the country benefit from the 2012 Olympic Games. A document, Prepare for 2012 - Priorities for the West Midlands Region, has now been produced by the West Midlands Leadership Group for the 2012 Games, the body which is driving the regional plan. It explains how we in the West Midlands will be making our contribution to the success of the event. To view the Prepare for 2012 report, click on the link below.
