The value of volunteers. The Government has recognised that voluntary activity is a key element in creating and sustaining an active and inclusive society, and that sport is one of the main ways in which people choose to put something back into their communities. From organising local clubs to running international competitions, volunteers play a crucial role in promoting sporting activity. Indeed, sport benefits from the time, talent and dedication of no fewer than 1.5 million volunteers whose work is invaluable in promoting social inclusion. In short, sport is important to everyone.
Millions benefit directly, through active participation.
For millions more, the benefits are less direct but no less important. Sport for all As well as promoting sport s economic and social value Sport England is keen to get more people participating in sporting activities, to ensure that they derive the greatest possible benefit from sport. At the moment, participation rates vary from one social group to another -according to age, sex and income, for example. In addition, participation in sport varies between regions, and within them. In the past, Sport England has not been able to tackle this problem as effectively as we would have wished.