Margaret Talbot reports to Parliamentary Commission

ICSSPE President attends the All-Party Commission on Physical Activity at the Houses of Parliament in London, UK.

As part of the work which ICSSPE is doing to assist the “Designed To Move” campaign, ICSSPE President Margaret Talbot submitted written evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Commission on Physical Activity. The Commission was established to develop policy recommendations in order to address the growing problem of physical inactivity in the United Kingdom. Margaret Talbot was then called to give oral evidence at the Commission’s session on Physical Activity – the Education Sector, on 29 January 2014, at the Houses of Parliament at Westminster.  Her evidence on the vital importance of physical education in school curricula was supported by other professionals, who also reported on the positive impact of a whole-school approach to physical activity.  The school system is the most comprehensive and sustainable infrastructure available for children to learn the skills, knowledge and confidence for life-long participation in sport and physical activity. 

Paula Radcliffe, current women's world record holder in the marathon with her time of 2:15:25 hours, reported on the importance of family life which encourages and supports children’s physical activity, whether competitive sport or any other type of physical activity.  Other evidence was provided by community providers. Every contributor emphasised the crucial importance of positive early experiences, especially at school – and of the need to ensure educational opportunity along with the physical activities.  Another recurrent theme, especially for those operating in inner cities, was the need for safe spaces, especially for children and women.    

It is hoped that the evidence and conclusions from this Commission will feed into future government policy, with a general election scheduled for 2015.