Wigan's Sport Makers

Wigan's Sport Makers


17 October 2012

Wigan is aiming to have the highest number of volunteer “Sport Makers” in the whole of Greater Manchester!



So far, 150 people have signed up in the borough to carry out a minimum of 10 hours volunteering within their local communities and, with two more inductions due to take place in the next few weeks, organisers are hoping to top the 300 mark.



Inspired by the huge success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Makers – those 70,000 volunteers who ensured such a smooth games – a national project called Sport Makers aims to continue the Olympic legacy though volunteering and by inspiring people to play sport.



In Wigan and Leigh, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust’s (WLCT) Sports Development Unit are leading on the initiative in partnership with Greater Sport.



Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT, said: “Wigan already has a strong voluntary sports club sector but we’re delighted that so many people have already signed up to take part.



“Many of those taking part want to give something back to their club or community but there are also a large number of students looking to gain employment in the sports sector at the end of their courses who also see this as a wonderful addition to their CV.”



British Champion inline skater Jenna Downing will lead two induction sessions at St John Rigby College on Tuesday 23 October and 9 November where 200 new Sport Makers will pledge to uphold the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship.



Cabinet member for leisure Cllr Chris Ready said: “One of our main aims as a council is to create a confident place with confident people and this initiative has a major part to play in that. Volunteering can increase confidence, creates a closer connection with the community and can lead to employment.



“We’re delighted the people of Wigan are leading the way.”



Anyone over the age of 16 can join the Sport Maker programme which hopes to give those taking part the knowledge, information and connections to help make sport happen.



The project hopes more than 40,000 people nationally will sign up.