Read the Recreation and Sport Strategy [PDF 600KB free Adobe Reader]

The aim of the Physical Recreation and Sport Strategy was to prepare a strategy for the City as a whole that would help those organisations involved in physical recreation and sport to move in a common direction. The Council has adopted a leadership role and tried to bring together the perspectives of the many different organisations involved in physical recreation and sport into one comprehensive strategy. To a large degree I believe the Council has been successful in this aim.

The relationship between the government and Council and Ngai Tahu is currently not developed to a stage where approaching the area together has been possible.

Consequently it is not possible to say that this Strategy brings together the views of all relevant organisations.

However, there is a clear intention on behalf of the Council in leading the Strategy process to continue to try to work towards a position in which partnership can be achieved and a strategy that can truly be described as one for all of Christchurch can be reached.

The case for increasing participation in physical recreation and sport is compelling. Positive participation in physical recreation and sport means people will be in better health and reduce health care costs. It is a key element in human development at all ages and helps to build strong families and communities. Furthermore it generates economic benefits and very importantly contributes to people’s quality of life.

Developing a strategy of this sort for a diverse sector of activity such as physical recreation and sport is no small undertaking and represents a significant achievement. I believe the Strategy offers a great opportunity for those in the sector to work more closely together to provide more quality recreation experiences for the people and ultimately to increase the level of participation in the City.

Turning the Strategy in to reality through the actions of a wide range of organisations creates a whole new set of challenges. I sincerely hope that organisations involved in physical recreation and sport will use this document to guide their actions and inform the way they work together with others.

Cllr Graham Condon
Chairperson Recreation and Sport Strategy Steering Group
Chairperson Community and Leisure Committee
Christchurch City Council