£14 million of new Welsh Government funding will help Wales’ Sport & Leisure sector survive through Covid-19 and beyond.

The ‘Sport and Leisure Recovery Fund’ will support the sector with the ongoing challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and provide longer-term sustainability.

The fund is intended to provide essential support to sports clubs and organisations, independent providers and sporting events who have all faced significant challenges during the crisis and continue to be severely impacted. The fund will help in driving innovation for local authority leisure centres and Leisure Trusts to complement the Hardship Fund for local government.

Welsh Government Deputy Minister, Lord Elis-Thomas, said:

“I’m very pleased that we’re able to lead the way in Wales in protecting and sustaining this very important part of our society by delivering this targeted package of support.

 

Sport across Wales came to an abrupt halt at the beginning of this crisis with an immediate impact. We also recognise that there are significant longer-term challenges facing the sector – linked to gradual reopening and low capacities. I hope this fund will help with long-term planning and sustainability in the sport and leisure sector – which plays such an important part in keeping the nation healthy and active.”