Cath Bishop’s article captures perfectly the need for structural change and innovation to drive sustainable sport and activity for society (Too many of us were traumatised by sport at school – but it’s never too late to change, 12 May).
With multiple layers of evidence pointing to the benefits of an active and healthy nation, why do we struggle as a society to ensure that it is embedded in everyone’s day-to-day lives? Experiences in childhood shape so much: if we enjoy something or are encouraged to do it then we are more likely to continue. Preschool, school, parents, media and many other things shape what we do and what we become.
School is mandatory, so sport/physical activity should be too; building a habit early on means it is more likely to continue in later life. Instead, we have reduced the amount of time given to sport on the school curriculum, said competition is bad, sold off playing fields and reduced the number of those able to teach multiple sports or activities.
With huge pressures on our health services, surely it is time to leverage sport and activity, to improve general health and wellbeing?
Investment and structural change is needed at scale, including innovation and different ways of thinking – but without behavioural change, without improved attitudes to sport and activity, the status quo will remain. Parkrun has done a phenomenal job of creating a social sporting community, led by enjoyment and social connection and now has one in 10 schools participating. As CEO of British Triathlon, I want everyone to be able to swim, cycle and run. Surely this is not too much to ask of our society?
Ruth Daniels
CEO, British Triathlon
PE in the 1980s was something we used to laugh about. Now I realise just how traumatic it was. I am, believe it or not, a schoolteacher, and today’s kids would not believe the routines of a 1980s PE teacher. Being last to be picked for teams was the tip of the iceberg. Try running butt-naked through communal showers while being shouted at, strategically placing your arm across your chest while tucking your hand in front of your lady garden! No amount of buoyant promotion will convince me to enjoy sport. An apology would be a better place to start.
Jane Hall
Birmingham