Academics from across the University have produced a feasibility study which showcases how a national Capital of Sport – focused on health and wellbeing - can be integrated.
The proposal was first made as part of Spirit of 2012’s Inquiry into the Power of Events, which highlighted how events like this could act as accelerants of social outcomes, drivers of wellbeing, social connection, and economic growth.
A snapshot of the study, which considered the views of people from across the United Kingdom, saw a desire for any event to be meaningful, positive and green. Plans within the study also highlighted how it could work alongside an existing event or as a standalone occasion.
Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellow at the University, Dr Verity Postlethwaite orchestrated the study. She said the project has been a huge success: “During the past nine months or so we’ve managed to engage with over 150 voices, attend varying places, and used a ‘test and refine’ process to balance evidence-based and visionary thinking. The original idea from Spirit of 2012 has truly been explored in a creative and inclusive way, the findings and recommendations are exciting and will hopefully offer a lot of food for thought to the UK events sector.”
Ruth Hollis, Chief Executive of Spirit of 2012, commented: “We asked Counsel, with Loughborough, to have a look 'under the bonnet' of the idea, test it with policymakers, funders, interested parties and the public to see whether it would add to the events ecosystem of the UK. I am delighted that this report sets out different models that could see physical activity integrated into a new or existing designation to bring the benefits seen by Cities of Culture to sport and physical activity. Throughout this study they were mindful of challenges faced by local authorities in terms of funding and have taken this into account when formulating their recommendations. In these very worrying times, we are more conscious than ever of the need for key moments that bring us together around the things that unite us all.”
Lead for Counsel Ltd, James Allen, added: “The study provides places of all shapes and sizes evidence and inspiration to use health and wellbeing as a driver for hosting an event. We are looking forward to supporting Spirit of 2012 in using the evidence from our project and other projects Spirit commissioned from the Inquiry into the Power of Events to stimulate further debate to how events can secure and contribute to social and community outcomes throughout the UK.”