A new partnership called Gwalia Actif is to invest £1.1 million over the next two years in sport and physical activity in communities across Wales.
The partnership brings together Actif North Wales, Central South Active Partnership, the London Marathon Foundation and the Run 4 Wales (R4W) Charitable Foundation.
Over the two years, £600,000 will come from the London Marathon Foundation, £250,000 from Actif North Wales and £250,000 from Central South Active Partnership. The Actif North Wales and Central South Active Partnership funding is being provided in conjunction with Sport Wales and funding from the National Lottery. The second year of investment is dependent on continued investment from Sport Wales and National Lottery funding.
Grants of up to £30,000 will be awarded to projects across Wales.
Gwalia Actif will support communities to identify and address the barriers that prevent children, young people and underserved communities from being active locally. The partners say they will invest in communities, not just projects, with particular emphasis on supporting those who face the greatest inequalities and barriers to participation.
The approach is aligned with the work of the Regional Sport and Physical Activity Partnerships established by Sport Wales, and builds on the R4W Charitable Foundation’s existing work using running and athletics to create positive change in Wales.
Manon Rees-O’Brien, Regional Director of Actif North Wales, said: “We know there is no single answer that works everywhere. This investment will support local people and partners to come together to understand what’s getting in the way of people being active, particularly in places facing the greatest challenges, and build on the strengths that already exist within their communities.”
Gavin Hawkey, Managing Director of Central South Active Partnership, said: “We know that where a person lives and the environment around them has a huge impact on how likely they are to experience the benefits of regular movement.”
Mike Diaper, Group Funding and Impact Director at the London Marathon Foundation, said: “The London Marathon Foundation aims to inspire activity for everyone. By working in partnership, we can support people who face the greatest barriers to being active to move more often in ways that are enjoyable, accessible and right for them.”
Rob Cole, R4W Charitable Foundation Chair, said: “The joint venture between the R4W Charitable Foundation and London Marathon Foundation has been the catalyst for this investment, and it’s fantastic to see that partnership now bringing together organisations from across the sporting landscape to collaborate and maximise the impact of this funding.”
