Sport England warns NGBs that future funding will “depend on fighting climate crisis”

Sport England chair, Chris Boardman, has warned national governing bodies of sport that the level of funding they receive in future will depend on how they fight the climate crisis.

Calling climate change an “existential threat”, Boardman – who is also a passionate advocate of cycling and active travel – said sport needs to do more, as it also under threat.

Speaking at the Blue Earth Summit on Thursday, Boardman said that Sport England will ‘embed environmental sustainability as a pillar of funding agreements’ –  a commitment outlined in the Government’s Get Active strategy.

Boardman said: “It is a serious threat to the physical activity sector, and by extension, the health and happiness sport and activity bring to millions of people in England every day.

“We are committed to working in partnership across the sector on how we move forward but move forward we must.

“Some sports are already leading the charge and they will help others tackle what is the most complex and important challenge we have ever faced.

“This isn’t easy but climate change doesn’t care.

“The status quo can’t be an option. We will tackle this seriously, quickly and most importantly, together.”