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Government acknowledges no illusions regarding the promotion of physical activity

Enhanced islander physical activity rates have led the sports-related assistant minister to acknowledge the necessity for further action. Constable Andy Jehan, in his presentation of a midpoint review, expressed no false optimism about the magnitude of the challenge ahead.

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Government acknowledges lack of deception in promoting physical activity
Government acknowledges lack of deception in promoting physical activity

Government acknowledges no illusions regarding the promotion of physical activity

Jersey, the picturesque island in the English Channel, has been facing a steady decline in the rating of its sporting activities and events since 2019. However, the government remains steadfast in its support for sport and physical activity, recognising their importance in the community.

In 2020, the ten-year project "Inspiring an Active Jersey" was launched, marking a significant milestone. This ambitious project aimed to invest Β£100 million in new facilities, but global economic factors have made some of these original ambitions no longer feasible. Nevertheless, the government is determined to make the best use of all public assets to support sport and physical activity.

One such initiative is the allocation of 22 hours of paid volunteering time per year for government employees. This policy, aimed at encouraging public sector involvement in sports, has been implemented, although the name of the municipal employee who has committed to this service remains undisclosed. Jersey Sport, the local sports development organisation, has taken measures to encourage more use of this time for sports activities.

The island's sports infrastructure is not immune to the passage of time. Facilities such as Haute Vallée pool, the pitch at Le Rocquier, Les Quennevais Sports Centre and Pool, Langford Pool, FB Fields, and the Aquasplash are classified as "ageing infrastructure" requiring replacement or refurbishment.

However, the strategy to support sport and physical activity in Jersey is not solely focused on infrastructure. Increasing the number of adults meeting the World Health Organisation's recommended physical activity levels is a priority for the next five years. The importance of volunteers in sport is also recognised, with the proportion of Islanders volunteering having been 10% in 2019 and bouncing back to 11% in 2024 after falling during the pandemic.

The government's commitment to developing a framework of events to reverse this trend is evident in the switch to a smaller-scale redevelopment program. This includes secured funding for the Oakfield Sports Centre, new lighting and pitch at Springfield Stadium, and a new skate park. The Oakfield Sports Centre is a significant milestone for Jersey, symbolising the government's dedication to the project.

Moreover, Jersey aims to maximise its potential as a sports tourism destination. If the island is selected to host the Island Games in 2035, these projects would need to be finalised and funded in the 2028-2031 Budget.

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the sports community in Jersey has shown great resilience. The strategy to support sport and physical activity in Jersey is ongoing, with Jersey Sport aiming to direct more of this volunteering time towards sport, ensuring that the island remains active and vibrant.

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