Agenda item

To consider the joint report of the Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services outlining proposals which will enable Leeds to build on the success of the London 2012 Olympic Games, and in particular the success of local and regional participants. The report outlines a strategy up to 2016 and beyond, which aims to leave a continuing legacy of the Games for the people of Leeds.

The Director of City Development and the Director of Children’s Services submitted a joint report outlining proposals aimed at enabling Leeds to build upon the successes of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and in particular the successes of local and regional participants. In addition, the report outlined a strategy leading up to 2016 and beyond, which aimed to leave a continuing legacy of the Games for the people of Leeds.

The Board welcomed the timely submission of the report, and highlighted the need to ensure that the momentum arising from the Olympics and Paralympics was built upon, in order to ensure that Leeds’ strong sporting tradition continued.

Responding to a Member’s comments, it was noted that further work would be undertaken in respect of the Olympic Legacy Fund and how such funding would be allocated, which would include liaison with Leeds Sports Federation.

The Board concurred with the comments made regarding the need to ensure that any initiatives to promote a sporting legacy included the necessary provisions to protect current sports fields and pitches, and wherever possible, increase such facilities across the city.

Members provided a number of examples of how the Games had already made a positive impact upon communities across Leeds, and it was noted that a celebratory reception event for Leeds Paralympians was being scheduled.

In conclusion, the Chair thanked all of those officers who had been involved in successfully delivering all related events throughout Leeds, both prior to and following the Games, he welcomed all of the comments which had been made during the discussion and he proposed that a further report be submitted to a future meeting, in order to provide an update on the progress which had been made on the establishment of a sporting legacy for Leeds.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report be noted, along with the following proposals:-

(i)  That further work will be undertaken to explore the benefits and costs of Leeds introducing a “BeActive” style programme. The Director of City Development, Director of Children’s Services and Director of Public health to meet and progress further.

(ii)  That the emerging Sport and Active Lifestyles strategy is noted and the ambition to be the “most active big city” supported.

(iii)  Consult with the Leeds Public on how best to celebrate the achievements of our Olympians and Paralympians, and then establish an Olympic Legacy Fund of £100,000 annually, with details to follow.

(iv)  Support future international sports events in Leeds and to use them to inspire a new generation of participants.

(v)  To develop proposals for a sustainable school sport system, building on the school games, and that supports Leeds as a child friendly city.

(vi)  Establish options for increasing National Non Domestic Rate relief to sports clubs in Leeds.

(vii)  Seek a commitment from sporting groups, third sector and business in the city to attend a Leeds Sporting Summit to maintain and further develop sports in Leeds.

(viii)  To build on the Games Makers and volunteering which already exists in the city, as we move forward with the other major events planned.

(b)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board which provides an update on the progress which has been made on the establishment of a sporting legacy for Leeds.