Jersey Sport “Match Ready”

The Shadow Board of Jersey Sport expressed its delight that the Proposition to trigger the launch of the new organisation has been lodged. States Members will now have the chance to discuss and vote on the Proposition, tabled by Assistant Minister with responsibility for Sport, Connetable Steve Pallett, in May.

“Throughout our consultation process and since publishing the Sport Report last September, we have consistently had strong support from Jersey’s sporting community and continue to build good relationships with other States departments, such as Health and Education. Many islanders will be very pleased to know that it now looks like Jersey Sport is close to becoming a reality. We’re very pleased that the Proposition is going to the States as this will allow all members to demonstrate their support for the development of sport and physical activity in Jersey”, said Chairman, Phil Austin.

Since Connetable Pallett endorsed its report and recommendations last year, the Shadow Board has been working on a wide array of essential details to ensure the new organisation has been correctly constituted and staffed ready to hit the ground running.

“Creating Jersey Sport has been similar to preparing a sports team for a major tournament”, said Austin, “The big differences being that we’ve had to plan, recruit and train without the formal endorsement of the States. And we’ve never been totally sure when the opening ceremony will be!”

“Team selection was always going to be the crucial first step. A CEO-designate is in place and will be announced shortly. Also, we’re delighted with the interaction we have had throughout the process with members of the current States’ Sport Development staff, led by David Kennedy, who have been first class”, he added.

The Shadow Board’s “Sport Report” outlined a detailed transition process, with rigorous legal and governance steps, involving numerous States departments and committees.

“There has a been a lot of ‘match preparation’, working through all the essential drills preparing Jersey Sport ready for its first big game. We have a great team and are set to go.”

The ‘Sport Report’ defined a vision for the development of sport and physical activity in Jersey, building on the successful Fit for the Future strategy. Key to this is the development of community based activities as well as support for sports. In particular, one priority identified is the continued investment in the ‘physical literacy’ programme in schools, which aims to equip all young Jersey children with the ability, knowledge and confidence to be physically active. Work in this area is proven internationally to deliver health and educational benefits.

If endorsed by States Members, Jersey Sport will be an independent body, grant-funded by the States, which will lead, champion and enable sport.