Sport & Physical Activity

Continuing the legacy of the London 2012 games by funding inclusive sport and reaching inactive people

Physical inactivity is one of the largest public health challenges in the UK, with over a quarter of the population classed as physically inactive.

Major sporting events like the London 2012 Games and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and Glasgow aspire to get people more active and event legacy programmes have been successful in increasing physical activity among the least active, improving their mental, physical and social wellbeing. From these, we have identified eight principles for reducing inactivity among the least active. We’ve also funded a range of projects that use physical activity and sporting events to have a wider social impact, increasing social cohesion and belonging. Inspired by the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games – the most successful Paralympics ever – we have continued to learn about what works in promoting inclusion for disabled and non-disabled people.

The London 2012 Paralympics shone a light on inclusion. Paying greater attention to who benefits from events and who is left out, was one of the five recommendations from our Power of Events Inquiry.

Physical Activity Research & Learning

Step Change: Working together towards an active society

A report by Spirit of 2012 looking at what works when it comes to getting people to participate more in physical activity.

Physical Activity Project evaluations

Changing Lives Through Sport And Physical Activity Fund Report

The Changing Lives Fund demonstrated that sport and physical activity can play a powerful role in reaching inactive people and helping them feel healthier, improve their mental wellbeing, feel included, develop skills and create community cohesion.

Physical Activity Project evaluations Volunteering

Get Set

All of the insights from Spirit’s grants to the British Olympic Foundation

Disabled people Sport and physical activity

Get Out Get Active

Nationwide

Get Out, Get Active is an initiative to get people active in locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Sport and physical activity

Changing Lives Through Sport And Physical Activity Fund

Scotland

The Changing Lives Fund was a partnership between the Scottish Government, sportscotland, the Robertson Trust and Spirit of 2012.

Sport and physical activity

Get Set

Nationwide

Get Set’s Road to Rio, Travel to Tokyo and Bound for Beijing uses the power of events to inspire young people and their families to get active wherever they are.

consultation responses events Learning sport and physical activity sport england

Sporting events can boost participation and reduce inactivity, but the key is in the approach

The Public Accounts Committee has been critical of DCMS and Sport England over the weekend for making insufficient progress at reducing inactivity. It’s something we’ve thought a lot about at…

activity alliance events Get Out Get Active Learning legacy London 2012 sport and physical activity

With a focus on people and targeted, sustained investment, the legacy from major sporting events can deliver participation

This summer marks ten years since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and last week the National Audit Office (NAO) published a report Grassroots participation in sports and physical…

activity alliance Get Out Get Active inclusion sport and physical activity

Reaching inactive people through inclusion – the GOGA way

As someone who runs, plays football and likes to get a sweat on, I understand the benefits of being active on people’s physical, mental and social wellbeing. But I know…