UK Sport and the Government of India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport signed a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi today which marks the start of an international sport development partnership that will reach thousands of school children and communities throughout India.
The agreement brings together national and international experts in the fields of development, physical education, sport development and sporting excellence to provide access to quality physical education and sport at community level and the development of pathways to excellence for elite athletes. This new commitment between both nations was sealed by Richard Stagg, British High Commissioner to India, and S. K. Arora, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport.
Today's ceremony was also attended by Mr Mani Shankar, the Government of India's Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, who is currently leading the finalising a new national sports policy:
"I am glad that the United Kingdom and India are embarking upon a joint venture the leverages sport for youth-led national development. By virtue of the multiple benefits that sports generate in the areas of education, public health, social inclusiveness, cultural identity and recreation, this initiative is strategically placed to achieve this objective", he said.
The partnership agreement offers both parties a unique opportunity to share best practice methods and expertise, while also allowing those involved in sport in the UK to keep up to date with the latest international developments.
UK Sport’s Head of Worldwide Impact, Debbie Lye, confirmed that as a sporting nation India has an important role to play internationally in youth development through sport and future legacy planning for the hosting of international sporting events:
“This agreement is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to work in partnership with a dynamic country that recognises the importance of a youth-led sports development approach. For a long time there has been a mutual desire to work together and, as Commonwealth Games hosts, both countries will be able to share learning and expertise to ensure that a social legacy can be delivered through the hosting of international events".
The programmes initiatives commenced this September with an inward visit to the UK by key organisations involved in physical education and school sport in India. This will be one of the first steps in supporting the programmes vision of developing sustainable and supportive systems within which children and young people of all abilities can enrich their lives by playing and excelling in sport.
International cooperation and development through sport is a key priority for UK Sport with a number of strategic long-term partnership agreements already in place with partner countries including China, Cuba, and South Africa.
Source: http://www.uksport.gov.uk/news/international_sport_development_agreement_confirmed_for_india/
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