Press Release: CSW Sport launches Sport Makers programme

A new way for people to become sporting heroes has been unveiled in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.

CSW Sport has launched Sport England’s Sport Makers programme in the region, a programme for adults who’d like to make sport happen for their friends, neighbours or colleagues.

The launch event was held at the ACT-UK building in the Coventry Techno Centre on Puma Way, Coventry, and attended by around 50 would-be Sport Makers who saw Olympic cyclist Bryan Steele explain the impact sports volunteers had on his career and learnt more about the project.

Every Sport Maker will be invited to an informal and interactive workshop where they will gain the skills and opportunities to get involved in sport in the region. Sport Makers will be introduced to organisations that need their help, and join forces with others who want to make sport happen locally. There will also be opportunities to meet top athletes and plenty of incentives to stay involved.

CSW Sport aims to attract over 800 people in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire to get involved be inspired through one of over 50 workshops being delivered in the region as part of the national Sport Makers scheme – which is part of the Places People Play legacy programme that is bringing the magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into communities across the country.

Emma O’Dowd, development manager for CSW Sport, said: “The impending London 2012 Games gives us an opportunity to inspire people to become involved in sport like never before.

“Becoming a Sport Maker means you will be helping people you know to get involved in sport in Coventry Solihull or Warwickshire as well as doing something amazing for your friends and for your community, while having fun yourself. 

“Sport Makers provides us with the chance to produce a real sporting legacy in the region and we would like as many people as possible to find out about the wide range of opportunities available and get involved.”

One of the first to register their interest in the scheme was 41-year-old Alison Insley from Kenilworth.

She said: “The Sport Makers programme looks fantastic, I was inspired by it and thought it was a great way of encouraging new people as well as those already involved to help deliver more sport.

“I have pledged to be involved and I think anyone with an interest in sport can take part regardless of age, race, ability or religion.

“I really enjoyed the launch event and particularly hearing from Bryan Steele, seeing his medals and hearing his story about how volunteers had helped him to represent Great Britain.”


The Sport Makers project is Lottery-funded and is being headed up nationally by five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave.

Sport England’s chairman Richard Lewis said: “This is a great chance to get involved in making sport happen in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire whether that’s planning the route, finding the pitch or encouraging others to take part.

“So if you think you could help, or have your own ideas for getting others involved in sport, please join in as a Sport Maker and become part of the legacy of the London 2012 Games.”

For more information on the Sport Makers programme or details on how to get involved visit www.sportmakers.co.uk or contact Emma O’Dowd on 02476 574200.

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