Good morning and thank you for the invitation to speak to you today in the role of Minister of Sports, Tourism and Civil Society.
It is a special privilege to be the minister responsible for sports, especially at such an exciting time for the sector.
2022 was filled with incredible sporting events that are still fresh in the minds of the British public.
Who could forget the record-breaking Women’s Euro and that magical summer day at Wembley when England became champions, inspiring millions with their legendary victory.
Despite the challenges of organizing international sporting events during the pandemic, we delivered on the global stage,
through the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, along with other major sporting tournaments
I was also lucky enough to attend a number of matches during the groundbreaking Rugby League World Cup which took place in cities across England.
The first rugby league tournament to integrate men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments with great success.
And I was lucky enough to attend the exciting World Gymnastics Championships last autumn which were held in the great city of Liverpool.
I firmly believe in the power of big sporting events.
They enrich the lives of people across the country.
They bring people together.
They drive economic growth.
Advance Global Britain,
and help ensure lasting social impact and legacy
through grassroots world-class facilities they leave behind for people of all backgrounds to enjoy.
That is why the Government remains committed to bringing the world’s biggest and best sporting events to this country.
I’m very excited about what’s to come in the months and years ahead in terms of hosting major events in the UK.
For example, the unprecedented combined UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland later this year,
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025
and, of course, the possibility of a joint bid by the United Kingdom and Ireland for UEFA EURO 2028.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank each and every person in the room today for the hard work, perseverance and determination you have shown since this event was last held in person in 2019.
I know how difficult that period has been for the sporting events sector and your resilience has been incredible.
Your hard work in 2022 has been rewarded with a phenomenal collection of events that have brought great joy to the British public and I can’t wait to work with you on what comes next.
It is now my pleasure to introduce Simon Morton, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Major Events at UK Sport.
Thank you again and I hope you all have a very fulfilling and productive day.