Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games: England Athletics' Funetics programme using B2022 funding to help more people engage with sport and physical activity in England

England Athletics’ funetics programme is helping local people and communities to get active and play sport off the back of the Commonwealth Games thanks to funding and support from Sport England and the National Lottery.

Children take part in the funetics Activation Zone at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

England Athletics was awarded £350,000 from Sport England’s Legacy Fund as part of the body’s £35m investment around Birmingham 2022, with the funding directed to increasing participation of children and young people in athletics in Birmingham, the West Midlands and targeted cities in the rest of England.

Funetics will reach out to thousands of children and young people aged 4-11 years at track and field clubs and local community groups.

This work from funetics supports Sport England’s overall goal of using Birmingham 2022’s Games to help build a legacy of more active and connected communities not just in the Midlands, but up and down the country, and help level up access to sport and physical activity.

Chris Jones, CEO of England Athletics and funetics said:

“We are delighted to be part of this initiative to grow participation as a legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Games. Athletics is where it all begins. Learning to run, jump and throw is the foundation for a lifetime of activity. From playground to podium our sport offers everybody, irrespective of ability or cultural background, the opportunity to achieve great things and to live a healthier and happier life. We want to help children of all backgrounds and abilities to flourish and reach their full potential.

“This additional investment from Sport England will enable us to give more children the opportunity to experience and enjoy athletics for the first time through our innovative funetics programme. By placing our clubs and facilities at the heart of delivery it will hopefully grow capacity, extend their reach into the community, and inspire new athletes for the future.”

Team England athletes at the funetics Activation Zone during the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England said:

“The Commonwealth Games have been an incredible platform for the power of sport. It’s brought so many people together – not just in the West Midlands, but all over the country.

“The Games are also an opportunity to create a lasting impact at community level.  Legacy comes from hard work and creating the right opportunities and conditions so that people can lead more active lives - now and in the future.

“That’s why our £35million investment into Birmingham 2022 is targeting support to where it is most needed, tackling deep-rooted inequalities to create inclusive opportunities for people to get active and connect in their communities - regardless of their ability, background or bank balance. We want the legacy of B2022 to be one of a more active and better-connected nation.”

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