Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:14 pm on 3 October 2017.
I thank you very much for those questions and comments. You particularly referred to the importance of having the right mix of facilities in the right parts of Wales, and that’s certainly something that the Cabinet Secretary for economy’s facilities review is looking at, in terms of what do we have at the moment in Wales already, but where does the investment need to be in future in order to both attract those major events, and also then to have the right infrastructure for sporting opportunities available for people within our various communities in Wales. I agree that we do need to make progress on that regional approach, so this is one of the priorities that my officials and I are taking forward in partnership with the interim chair of Sport Wales in terms of bringing that particular piece of work to a conclusion, because I think it does hold lots of opportunities for us. So, I think that we need to move on with looking at that regional approach and what we can do best there, because I know that the partners locally are very keen to get working together, and I think that is, in itself, a really positive sign.
I would encourage all schools to consider what they can do in terms of opening up their facilities outside of the core school hours for the community. As you say, there are opportunities, certainly, to ensure that they support the physical activity of the community more widely. I think, sometimes, the issue is perhaps that school governors are a bit too cautious. So, I think that Welsh Government, and sporting organisations as well, can be sending a message that, actually, this is something that we welcome and would expect schools to do as part of their role at the heart of their communities.
I will certainly join you in absolutely celebrating the success of our women sportspeople, at all levels, as well. I agree with you that they need to be given the kudos and respect and sheer admiration for their achievements in just the same way as we would admire men for their sporting achievements as well. So, we need to be working on that as individuals, celebrating the successes that we see locally, but also encouraging the media as well to continue to promote women in sport.