Listening, Learning, Leading – LRS’ 2nd Annual Partner Conference

The University of Leicester played host to our 2nd Annual Partner Conference on Thursday 12th November 2015.

The event aimed to build on the success of our 10 Year Celebration last year and to look at how Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport and the wider partnership can work better together to improve sporting and physical activity opportunities for all. The Conference bought together partners from across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland and facilitated 'big and small' conversations that underpin our ambitions to be a 'Listening, Learning and Leading' County Sports Partnership.

The Conference was opened by Chair of Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport Andy Reed OBE and compered by Bill Cullen, Vice Chair of Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport and Deputy Chief Executive at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough. There was over 110 partners from across the sport and physical activity partnership including representation from local Councils, health, the voluntary sector, private sector and education.

Dr Charlie Foster, Deputy Director and Programme Lead for Physical Activity & Obesity from Oxford University spoke about the economic case for physical activity promotion. After a quick calculation across the network tables, it was calculated that there was over 1,000 years of experience in sport and physical activity in the room and Dr Foster encouraged partners to consider the options for joint working to drive forward this agenda.

Wasim Khan MBE, spoke about his journey in sport, from his role as CEO with Chance to Shine to his new challenge as CEO at Leicestershire County Cricket Club. During the 'Big Conversation' discussion across the network tables, Wasim challenged the delegates to discuss whether the current coach education and coach CPD is fit for purpose and is now the time for professional clubs to buy into a 'one vision' approach to sport.

The high speakers brought specialist knowledge and sector specific experience to help shape the thinking of LRS and its partners and threw out a number of challenging thoughts and questions to fuel the discussions and debate.

Delegates then attended a range of workshops, focusing on:
• Physical Education's role in and contribution to the health, well-being and attainment of our young people.
• The contribution sport and physical can make to the prevention and management of long term health condition.
• Community Sport at the local level – opportunity, challenges and the partnerships needed.
• Active Ageing the importance of sport and physical activity.
• Can sport and cultural services be more enterprising.

Hannah Cockroft MBE closed the Conference with an inspirational speech on her journey into wheelchair racing and how a small investment in her first chair, created an opportunity for her to become the star she is. Hannah relived her triumphs at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and speaking of the T34 100m final said "I knew that I had to reach 17mph to win", in which of course, she did. Hannah is now focusing on learning and training for the T34 400m and 800m, alongside the 100m and her aims for the Rio 2016 Paralympics? "The only thing in my head is 3 Gold Medals at Rio".

Andy Reed OBE, Chair of Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport said, "I believe it has never been more important that we continue to bring together the planning and resources for school and community sport and physical activity. The Conference supported the conversations that will change tomorrow's agenda. It is vitally important that not only can all the sectors work together but that we can respond and adapt to change. The views expressed, discussions held and best practice shared will help make Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland the most sporting and physically active place in England".