PE director joins sports body with half a billion to spend

David Geldart, Director of Physical Education and Sports at St Mary's Comprehensive School in Menston, has been appointed to the New Opportunities Fund PE and Sports in Schools Committee and will advise on policy and grant making.

The New Opportunities Fund, which distributes National Lottery money, has pledged a half-a-billion pounds to be made available nationally with every Local Authority.

Mr Geldart, who has worked as an advisor to various Government departments, has had considerable experience of lottery policy and grant

making.

He was one of the original members of the Sport England Lottery Panel who distributed £1billion to sports in its first four years.

Mr Geldart, who is a Fellow of the Physical Education Association and a Council Member of Sport England, said: "We have the possibility to change things for schools, and the committee is keen to stress that new sports buildings at schools are not just buildings.

"The new facilities have lots of real uses for the schools and we are also very conscious of linking with local clubs and community groups."

Mr Geldart added that PE in schools has become more

inclusive for pupils and it has moved on since the days when PE lessons were dreaded.

"We now recognise that PE has become many pupils' favourite subject. We have a huge potential with this massive amount of money, and it is a very exciting time for us at the moment.

"There is an intrinsic value of PE and activities in schools and the community, but we also recognise the wider value, health, citizenship and personal development."

He added that projects across the country may benefit, even if they only receive a small portion of the award.

"Some schools and youth groups might only receive a small amount of money,

but it can mean a lot to the group.

"It is the small things that make a world of difference to them, but at the same time

the big projects will be fantastic too."