Director of Development, George Cull, reflects on the North Yorkshire Sport Partnership Day on Friday 10th October.
Last Friday was one of those days that remind you exactly why you do what you do. It was a privilege to stand among more than 150 people and organisations united by a single purpose: to make a positive difference in communities across York and North Yorkshire.
Our North Yorkshire Sport Partnership Day had been in the making for months — and as we approached our 25th anniversary, we knew we wanted to create something special. Something that reflected not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re going.
At the same time, the ambition of Mayor David Skaith — that sport and physical activity can be a driving force for better health and economic growth — has never felt more aligned with our mission.
Little did we know, when planning began, that North Yorkshire Sport would soon be entrusted by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver a major investment programme worth over £2 million. This funding will support new capital developments and targeted work to help underrepresented groups move more, connect more, and thrive through sport and physical activity.
The pride I felt on Friday — both in our incredible team and in the collective energy in the room — is hard to describe. Watching our 25-year montage video was a moving reminder of how far we’ve come, and how many lives we’ve touched along the way.
What made the day so powerful wasn’t just the announcement of investment. It was the diversity of people and organisations in the room — from healthcare, public health, and facility operators to libraries, voluntary sector leaders, and National Governing Bodies of sport. Each brought their own perspective, passion, and purpose.
Our goal wasn’t simply to celebrate. It was to educate, challenge, and inspire — and our line-up of speakers absolutely delivered.
One of the standout sessions came from Professor Andy Daly-Smith, who shared invaluable insights from Bradford’s JU:MP programme. Rather than telling us to “copy what’s worked,” Andy distilled the critical success factors that help communities tackle the complex, “wicked” challenges we face.
His message that common purpose must sit above ego or organisation really resonated with delegates — and with me. It reminded me that if we think we already have the answers, we probably haven’t asked the right questions.
Professor Stacy Clemes also gave us a lot to think about. Her challenge around sedentary time hit home — the idea that sitting all day and then squeezing in a quick run won’t undo the damage of too much sitting.
The evidence she shared about breaking up sedentary time, even in small bursts throughout the day, was eye-opening. I’ve already heard about teams exploring ways to apply this learning — including introducing walking meetings and working with the bus companies to explore how they might support their staff to be less sedentary.
Every delegate seemed to take something unique away from the day — a new connection, a spark of an idea, or simply renewed motivation. The energy in the room was palpable, and it left me convinced that we have the right people to drive real, lasting change for those who need it most.
The day ended by setting a challenge to everyone who attended (and those who couldn’t make it) to keep that energy alive:
- Be an advocate and a role model. Talk positively about being active — in your conversations, on your social media, and in how you live your life.
- Have five conversations about what inspired you. Whether it’s following up with a delegate, sharing a learning in your next team meeting, or simply passing on a key message — keep the dialogue going.
- Challenge barriers in your organisation, or work to strengthen the enablers. What’s stopping people from moving more? A policy, a culture, or maybe just a habit? Small shifts — like walking meetings — can spark big change.
Friday wasn’t an endpoint — it was a catalyst. The investment from the Mayor gives us resources, but the real impact will come from how we use them — together.
If we can keep breaking down organisational walls and put our common purpose at the heart of everything we do, I believe we can create the kind of generational change many hoped for after London 2012 — a legacy that truly reduces inequality in physical activity across our region.
And if the energy in that room on Friday was anything to go by, I think we’re already on our way.
