Local MP 'Ramps' up interest in local sports

4.40.28pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 12th Apr 2007

Mark Hunter and Mark Ramprakash supporting local sports

Mark Hunter, MP for Cheadle, attended the Central Council of Physical Recreation's (CCPR) 'Sports Surgery' event yesterday at Westminster, where he discussed issues affecting sport and recreation in the area with sports experts, including cricket and Strictly Come Dancing star Mark Ramprakash.

The event was an opportunity for MPs to raise matters concerning sport and recreation in their constituency with some of the country's leading policy specialists, to hear about issues that affect the sector across the country and to promote the importance of local sporting organisations.

Speaking after the event Mark Hunter MP said:

"Sport and recreation clubs are a vital part of our social fabric and CCPR's surgery has allowed me to raise some of the issues concerning clubs in Cheadle with them.

"It's important we do everything we can to help grassroots sport flourish. Ahead of the Olympics in 2012, sports and recreation clubs will have an important role to play in getting people more involved in active lifestyles.

"Sports clubs do some excellent work in Cheadle. They help keep people fit and well, they keep kids off the streets and they teach people new skills and give them confidence to do other things."

Brigid Simmonds, Chair of CCPR, said:

"At CCPR we are working hard to develop sport and recreation in the country and this event was a great occasion to inform MPs on how we could work together to enhance sporting opportunities in local communities."