StreetGames Launched in Parliament

StreetGames was officially launched at the House of Commons on 17 January 2007.

The new national charity has been set up to bring sport to the doorsteps of young people. Through sport, StreetGames empowers youth and helps breed respect, co-operation and dignity in disadvantaged communities.

Executive Director of Tyne & Wear Sport, Ian Simon said: “There is a wealth of enthusiasm and talent within deprived communities. The objectives of StreetGames is to improve the quality of sports delivery and ensure youngsters from these areas have much greater access to organised sport and physical activity. This will benefit public health, community safety and also sport itself by reaching untapped, raw talent.”

The launch of the charity follows 18 months of pilot schemes in a number of regions throughout the country. In Newcastle, at the Westgate Centre for Sport, StreetGames took centre staff out of the buildings and on to the streets to entice young residents to join in games and to encourage them to start using the centre. Adults are also encouraged to get involved and a number of parents have enrolled in the Community Sports Leaders Award.

Click here for more information www.streetgames.org