SCHOOL SPORTS

It was said how lazy the Tories were in opposition and nothing shows it up better than the fiasco over the Schools Sports Partnership. Out of touch or what! Now Michael Gove has "found" some money to continue the program in a reduced form to buy off hostility from some very vocal quarters. With the Olympics coming up in London what a time to demoralise the sporting fraternity. Cameron said to Parliament that the program wasn't working. He has now made one of the biggest climb downs ever.
What is frustrating to me is how getting people into sport has so many social benefits. Surely we should have a political consensus by now. Sport helps promote a happier healthier society and is also cost effective.

Long Eaton's Leisure Centre

I always remember the tale I was told about young lad who volunteered to fight in the Great War. He was the most reluctant amongst a group of four friends. But he went along to sign up and all four had a medical and but only he passed. Out of four lads only one was fit to die. Fortunately he lived to tell the tale despite a bayonet in the guts whilst he was hanging helpless on barbed wire, waist deep in cold water. That was one story amongst millions showing the monstrous toll of ill health due to poor diet, bad housing conditions, poor wages and poor health care. Until soldiers were needed the "born to rule" fraternity never gave a second thought to the general population. In fact after the Great War they were trying their hardest to turn the clock back. They wanted cheap labour and plenty of it.

Can you see a similarity with the present incumbents in Government? Cut public services to make room for tax cuts for the rich. Bugger you Jack I'm alright is and always has been their philosophy. 

Sport isn't the only factor but it is vitally important to the Nations health. If you believe as I do that societies compete not economies then surely a nations health is a prime responsibility of Government. Cameron is failing the Nation when he downgrades the importance of Britain's health.

Locally what is the future for sport. Will sports centres be closed or opening times reduced? So far no consultation appears to be taking place over the Erewash budget despite the financial settlement being announced some time ago. Watch this space.