To mark its tenth year as the national association of leisure and cultural trusts, Sporta will be holding its AGM in Bournemouth next month, and for the first time will formally recognise the achievements of members throughout the UK.
Taking place at Bournemouth Pavilion on Wednesday 11 May 2016, and hosted by acclaimed BBC sports presenter Garry Richardson, the awards applaud what members have achieved during the year, and highlight the difference leisure and cultural trusts and staff are making in their local communities.
“We’ve received over 100 inspiring entries for the awards, showing the diversity, innovation and impact of Sporta members working to promote, develop and support leisure and culture throughout the UK,”
says Brian Leonard, Chief Executive for Sporta.
Entries in nine categories are being judged by a panel of independent professionals:
• Professor Ken Fox (Chair), Emeritus Professor of Exercise and Health Sciences at University of Bristol
• Mark Allman, Head of Sport & Active Lifestyles, Leeds City Council / Chair, cCLOA
• Lee Mason, Chief Executive, CSP Network / Non-Executive Director, English Federation for Disability Sport
• Simon Hughes, Head of Recreational Badminton, Badminton England
• Steve Elway, former Chief Executive, Aspire Sport & Cultural Trust
“All entries will be celebrated as part of a wider campaign to demonstrate the distinctive capabilities of the trust model and the impact this has on local communities,”
adds Brian Leonard.
“We’re looking forward to holding our event in Bournemouth Pavilion, which is an excellent example of a thriving cultural community hub operated by social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council. It’s a splendid platform for our inaugural awards.”
Peter Gunn, Chief Executive for BH Live and Chair of Sporta says,
“This event brings bring together some of the UK’s top leisure and cultural experts, and we’re delighted Sporta has chosen to stage it at Bournemouth Pavilion.
“We’re very familiar with the great work trusts are doing all over the UK, protecting public assets and, more importantly, promoting the health and wellbeing benefits that come from participating in activities. We ourselves have a lot to celebrate in our local communities, with more people than ever coming to cultural events and shows, and turning up regularly to use our health and wellbeing gyms, pools and classes.”
Full details about the event can be found at sporta.org/sporta-awards. For enquiries, please contact andrewwoodcock@sporta.org.
ENDS
Notes to editors
About Sporta
Sporta is a membership association that represents cultural and leisure trusts and social enterprises throughout the UK. Its objectives are to:
– Build national awareness with government and key organisations of the impact of done trusts and social enterprises operating in the culture and leisure sector.
– Promote the advantages of using trusts and social enterprises to deliver community culture and leisure services.
– Act as a forum for members, identify common issues and propose collective solutions.
– Improve communication and share best practice among members.
– Promote the Sporta Charter of Integrity.
For more information about Sporta, please contact Andrew Woodcock, Projects Officer
t: 0207 250 8263
Web: www.sporta.org
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportaUK
Follow us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/sporta-uk
Sporta is The Sport and Recreation Trusts Association, which is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated and registered in England & Wales with company number 05932292. Registered office is Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6SX
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is managed and operated by BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council. The Grade II listed venue provides a 1500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom, hosting musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, dances and fashion shows throughout the year. It also provides facilities to complement events staged at Bournemouth International Centre and for running corporate presentations, product launches, and smaller conferences and exhibitions. Bournemouth Pavilion is also home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion at AUB rehearsal and teaching space. For more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
About BH Live
BH Live is the South Coast’s largest operator of leisure and event venues – a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives. With nearly three million visits a year and over £35 million turnover, the organisation is changing lives – placing it at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.
In 2013/14, BH Live hosted more than 400 shows, sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment tickets, clocked up 2.2 million leisure centre visits. 93,000 conference and exhibition delegates also attended events. This contributed an estimated £48.5 million to the local economy.
For more information about BH Live or Bournemouth Pavilion, please contact:
Elizabeth Symmons, PR & Corporate Communications Executive
E: elizabeth.symmons@bhlive.org.uk
bhlive.org.uk
Follow us @BHLIVE_UK