GEORGE: Questions remain over long-term future of Sport Wales

Commenting outside the chamber following the Minister for Public Services’ statement on the activities of Sport Wales, Shadow Secretary for Economy and Sport, Russell George, said:

“First and foremost we must pay tribute to the efforts of the staff at Sport Wales in what has clearly been an extremely challenging and difficult period for all involved.

“Sport Wales has a hugely important role to play in promoting physical activity and developing elite sport and it is therefore disappointing that the Minister is still unable to offer any clarity of certainty to its future – particularly given as it oversees an annual budget of over £22m of public money.

“Serious questions also remain over the organisation’s culture and the chaos which has ensued in its governance structure and why it took so long for the Welsh Government to intervene and take the necessary action.

“It is vital this situation is resolved as swiftly as possible so the long-term future of the organisation can be secured and the leadership can focus on delivering on its aims and objectives for sport in Wales rather than resolving internal battles.”