Agenda item

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1        To advise committee of extended support for delivery of the participation strand of Sport NI’s investment programme called Everybody Active 2020 (EBA2020).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Agree to the continuation of Everybody Active 2020 to 31 March 2020, subject to funding being approved for release from Sport NI.

3.0       Main report

            Sport NI programme

3.1       Sport NI commissioned Belfast City Council, along with other Council areas, to deliver the participation strand of Everybody 2020. The aim of the programme is to increase quality opportunities for targeted groups to develop and sustain participation in sport across key life-course transitions.

3.2       Belfast’s programme has specific targets which identify women and girls, people with a disability and people living in areas of high social need as priority. Participation evidence highlights disparities and inequalities within those sectors. Committee authorised officers to develop and commission a blend of providers through a public process to deliver Belfast’s Everybody Active 2020 targets. Officers have commissioned a diverse range of partners with consideration to developing programmes which prioritise participation for women/girls in the 14-25 age group, during which drop off levels are greatest.

3.3       Participation Targets 2017 – 2018

3.4       Programme delivery will be linked to other investments including workforce development, outdoor recreation infrastructure, small grants and Peace IV to improve the outcomes from EBA2020.

3.5       Sport NI has recently confirmed a budget of £468,074 for delivery of EBA2020 in Belfast. This exceeds the indicative amount of £439,074 initially offered by Sport NI and has allowed delivery of additional programmes through the appointment of three additional partners in 2017-2018.

            Additional Delivery Partners

3.6       Current position

            EBA2020 provides Council with a resource to support the physical activity and health outcomes within the Belfast Agenda framework.  This resource has already enhanced delivery in specific areas including:

·        Supporting long term participation by women/girls alongside Belfast hosting the Rugby World Cup and the under 19 EUFA soccer tournament in 2017

·        Programming and development activities in partnership with sports governing bodies to support wider participation alongsidestadia re-developments such as the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park

3.7       Financial & Resource Implications

            Sport NI has recently confirmed a budget of £468,074 for delivery of EBA2020 in Belfast.

3.8       Equality or Good Relations Implications

            The programme is an opportunity for the Council to deliver against its equality and good relations objectives.  These would be integrated into the performance frameworks for providers.”

            Following a query from a Member, the Assistant Director undertook to confirm with him directly whether the GAA had been considered as a Partner Organisation for the delivery of the programme.

            The Committee agreed to the continuation of Everybody Active 2020 to 31st March 2020, subject to funding being approved for release from Sport NI.