Alliance of Sport welcomes DCMS report on sport’s social impact
The Alliance of Sport is proud to have contributed to the DCMS Committee report, ‘Changing Lives: the social impact of participation in culture and sport’, which was published today (May 14).
In gathering evidence to showcase sport’s “unique power” to change lives and break the cycle of crime, DCMS (Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) sought our insight and expertise in the sector, including that of our Co-Founders James Mapstone and Justin Coleman, and our Trustees, Professor Rosie Meek and Dr. Phillip Lee MP.
The report finds that opportunities to reap major benefits in criminal justice, education and health are being missed by the failure of Government to recognise and harness social impact in sport and culture.
The report finds evidence that:
- Reoffending rates can be reduced through access to sport or cultural programmes
- Involvement in the arts and sports provides a constructive influence on young people with positive role models
- Despite a link between sporting participation and educational attainment, sport ‘dropping off’ the agenda within education
These findings reaffirm the need for the Alliance of Sport’s role: to lead, co-ordinate and evidence the role of sport in crime prevention and criminal justice.
Alliance of Sport Co-Founder and Managing Director, James Mapstone, commented: “We welcome today’s report and hope to spearhead even stronger cross-sector collaboration to create a joined-up approach to maximising sport’s impact on offending.”
Professor Rosie Meek, author of last August’s Sporting Chance report into the use of sport in adult and youth prisons, added: “It is really encouraging to see the DCMS report focus on the impact of sport and culture widely but most specifically on its potential impact in justice.”
Read the full report, Changing Lives: the social impact of participation in culture and sport, by clicking here.