Celebrating 20 years as a national charity
Friends from government, sport, leisure and third sector joined Activity Alliance on Wednesday 5 September, to celebrate 20 years since the charity formed. As well as unveiling our 2018-2021 strategy, the occasion allowed us to thank the many people who have supported us over two decades.
Founded on 7 September 1998 as the English Federation of Disability Sport, we marked our 20th Anniversary at this special event in London. It comes in the same year that we became Activity Alliance – the same team working towards the same goals, but with a new image.
Guests included Jennie Price, Chief Executive for Sport England and Huw Edwards, ukactive Public Affairs Director and the government’s leisure sector Disability Champion.
Barry Horne, Chief Executive at Activity Alliance called for actions not words to see a significant shift in the number of active disabled people. He asked guests for ongoing help to challenge perceptions and change the reality of disability, inclusion and sport. Unveiling our new three-year strategy – Achieving Inclusion Together, he said:
“I’m extremely proud of our work over the last 20 years, but there is clearly a mismatch between what disabled people want and what sport and leisure offers. The barriers that exist for disabled people are wider than those they face in sport. It will take national and local government, organisations who serve disabled people, as well as sport and leisure providers to look inwards at their own strategies.
“We cannot settle for the same old approaches being repeated year after year. I urge leaders to use the robust insight and support available to deliver promises and make active lives possible for disabled people.”
Sport England CEO, Jennie Price, who also spoke on the night, said:
“I would like to congratulate Activity Alliance on their 20th anniversary and for their new strategy Achieving Inclusion Together. We welcome - and share - their determination to change the reality for disabled people who want play sport and be active.
“We recognise that the number of disabled people involved in sport and physical activity is too low, and although we understand more about the barriers they face, much more needs to be done to tackle them. That’s why we have identified disabled people as a key audience within our strategy Towards an Active Nation and we look forward to working closely with Activity Alliance to reduce the inequalities they have rightly identified.”
During the evening Activity Alliance said goodbye to Chair, Charles Reed, who will be stepping down later this year. A thank you presentation was led by both Barry and Jennie and outlined the instrumental role Charles has played throughout his time at both Activity Alliance and as a Trustee for Sport England.
Charles said:
“I have enjoyed wonderful support from my fellow Trustees past and present, all of whom have been committed to shaping our strategic direction to achieve the vision. Barry Horne and all the employees at Activity Alliance have been great to work with. Without their dedication, hard work and commitment we could not possibly be in the strong and respected position we are now. They are a very special team.
“My final acknowledgement goes to our Members and everyone else who has supported me in my time with EFDS and now Activity Alliance. It’s been a real privilege to be with you on a part of your journey. I shall miss you and I wish you continued success.”
Look back on our 20 years celebration evening on Twitter.
