6. Debate on the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee Report — 'Levelling the playing field: A report on participation in sport and physical activity in disadvantaged areas'

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:06 pm on 30 November 2022.

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Photo of Dawn Bowden Dawn Bowden Labour 5:06, 30 November 2022

I absolutely agree with you, Alun. What I'm saying, what I'm trying to lay out here today, is that from the Welsh Government's perspective in relation to what we are able to invest in sporting facilities, both revenue and capital, we are trying to maximise the budget that we have to deliver the most effective outcomes.

The committee also recommended establishing a pilot scheme similar to New Zealand's Active Me—Kia Tū programme, and I was extremely fortunate during my recent trip to New Zealand to see how the scheme operates. I was struck by the similarities to what we are already doing here in Wales. Our pupil development grant is designed to help eligible children cover the costs associated with the school day, including school sports kit and equipment, which is primarily what the Kia Tū scheme is about. But other interventions that are already in place that Active Me—Kia Tū is mirroring include our free breakfast scheme, our national physical activity group, and the universal roll-out of free school meals across all primary schools in Wales. We're also working across Government with the health and education departments to develop an active schools programme as part of a commitment as set out in our 'Healthy Weight: Healthy Wales' strategy. I've already given a commitment to this Chamber to discuss the New Zealand programme further with Sport Wales to see what more we can learn from the Active Me project—