What are our deputies playing at?
PERFECT timing for the States this week to discuss its long-term spending plans in the aftermath of a hugely successful Island Games. Perfect for the community to put politicians under a little pressure and ask ‘What will you do for sport?’
The lack of clarity and commitment is concerning, and pressure is building on the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture to at least reverse its decision to cut funding for the Guernsey Sports Commission’s – and arguably its own – Active 8 strategy – part of the Sports Strategy backed in 2020.
Emotive though it is, it would not be right for the States to make major funding commitments to sport as a knee-jerk reaction to the success of the Island Games. But it would be helpful to understand where government is on funding sport.
Most of what is achieved in sport in Guernsey is done privately, from the countless volunteers supporting young people in grass roots activity to the providing their own facilities. Active 8, through the schools, ensures no-one misses the chance to take part in sport.
Saving relative pennies by cutting this funding is weak and cheap. Reversing these cuts is an easy win. But then the Sports Strategy needs to be reassessed, particularly over the provision of facilities.
Let’s be clear where our deputies’ really are on sport – beyond being seen at Island Games venues.