8. Debate on the Culture, Welsh Language and Communications Committee Report: The impact of COVID-19 on Sport

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:05 pm on 8 July 2020.

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Photo of Jack Sargeant Jack Sargeant Labour 5:05, 8 July 2020

Can I start by thanking the committee for producing this report? It's a timely opportunity to look at the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on sport, and also scrutinise the Welsh Government's response. On that note, I was heartened to read that sporting bodies across Wales were positive about the way the Welsh Government has handled and helped them though this crisis, and, of course, that money has been made available to support sport and physical activity organisations, which, of course, have been negatively impacted by the crisis. In this contribution today I would ask the Minister to continue to support these organisations, including the wonderful resource that is the grass-roots sports clubs and physical activity groups we have here. When doing this, Minister, I look to you to have in mind the joy that sport can bring to those who participate, but also those who spectate, and I know this only too well. Deputy Llywydd, I must say I've been waiting for this opportunity, to stand in the Welsh Parliament—because it's right that we stand in the Welsh Parliament—and say this: during lockdown, my beloved Connah's Quay Nomads won the Cymru Premier league title, and they've had a fantastic season, so I speak on behalf of this Senedd and the Alyn and Deeside constituency when I say how incredibly proud we are that the trophy is coming back to Wales. A great year for the Nomads—they played some amazing football, and it's lovely to see that six of our championship-winning squad are in the team of the season. I know that many of our Members here and Members across Wales, will be delighted that Champions League football will be in the Quay next year.

So, Minister, please take away the important messages from the report. Real thanks to the members of the committee again for this. Please protect grass-roots clubs in Wales of all types of sport, like Mick Antoniw mentioned in his contribution, and please remember the joy that sport can bring.