“We need to address inequalities in South Wales” says Central South Active Partnership Chair

“We need to address inequalities in South Wales” says Central South Active Partnership Chair

“We need to address the challenges facing communities in south Wales if we are to tackle inactivity,” says Professor Leigh Robinson, the newly appointed chair of the Central South Active Partnership which has recently been formed.

The Central South Active Partnership – a brand new organisation – covers Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan and it involves a range of organisations including health boards, higher education, the South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and local authorities.

And Robinson – who brings a wealth of experience from working for some of the biggest organisations in sport including the International Olympic Committee – is hugely ambitious in her mission:

“We know that there are low participation rates in parts of South Wales and that there are inequalities in how communities access sport and physical activity. I’m thrilled to be leading this new organisation which will work together with regional partners to address these challenges. We have a real opportunity to transform community sport in the region which could have a huge impact on health and wellbeing.”

Robinson, who will be shortly stepping down as a board member of Sport Wales to take up the role. also has experience of leadership positions with Sport Scotland, Commonwealth Games Scotland and Swim England as well as three universities including Cardiff Met.

Central South is now the third region in Wales to have successfully established a Sport Partnership. The Partnerships have been designed to change the way that sport and physical activity opportunities are planned and delivered for communities across Wales. 

The Partnership will shortly be recruiting its first Regional Director.