Last Friday, the Aspire Active Partnership community gathered under the theme "Local Accent, National Voice" at the iconic Villa Park to celebrate, learn, and inspire each other towards breaking down barriers in sports participation and showcasing the phenomenal value sports bring to our communities and schools across the UK.
Our engaging day kicked off with a heartfelt opening speech by Luke Johnson, who reminded us of the remarkable growth and progress we've achieved together over the past six months. Our network's strength lies in our shared mission to engage every child in active play and sports, fostering not just physical fitness but also invaluable life skills.
One of the day's first highlights was an insightful session by Paul Griffiths and Dream Big Sport's Dillan O'Connor, who introduced innovative methods to measure and showcase an organisation's social value. This presentation sparked a wave of inspiration across our network, fuelling discussions on how we can further demonstrate the incredible impact of our work.
The workshops offered were as varied as they were informative. Max Cooper led a deep dive into "Google My Business", elevating our understanding of SEO and online presence to new heights. Meanwhile, The British Olympic Foundation's "Path to Paris" initiative captured imaginations, symbolically journeying from Greece to Paris and rallying us behind the goal of getting more young people moving.
Our carousel workshop was a first for many and allowed every delegate to sample a trio of strategic sessions. From leveraging CIMPSA for team development, embracing technology with Aspire:ED, to cultivating resilience in leadership with Storylabs Creative, there was invaluable learning at every turn.
Special congratulations to Time4Sport, our "Top Contributor" for the second consecutive time, embodying the spirit of dedication and impact we all aspire to. Their success, alongside the impactful update on Swim:ED's reach in schools, underscored the tangible difference we're making together.
The afternoon workshops provided more opportunities for growth and collaboration. Marcus Miller's Google My Business session built seamlessly on the morning's learnings, while roundtable discussions fostered a sense of community, as we unpacked challenges and shared innovative solutions together.
Nicole Antoniou's session on making sports accessible to all children was a powerful reminder of our core mission. We were all moved by the stories of inclusivity, which not only motivate but also guide us toward creating even more welcoming and adaptive sports environments.
The day concluded with Nikki Clamp's enlightening presentation on upskilling our wraparound workforce, ensuring that as we grow, we remain equipped to meet the evolving needs of our communities with excellence.
To all our delegates, your passion and commitment fill us with hope and excitement for the future. As we reflect on the day's learnings, let's continue to carry the torch of inclusivity, resilience, and innovation in everything we do. Together, we're not just promoting sports; we're shaping a healthier, more active generation.