#Activefitsporty’s role from policy into practice or is that practice into policy?

Introduction: The Draft NI Programme for Government Framework (PfG 2016-21) highlights the aim of the NI Executive to focus on achieving outcomes. The relevant outcomes to this project are: (a) we have a more equal society; (b) we enjoy long, healthy, active lives; and (c) we give our children and young people the best start in life. The Outcomes Delivery Plan, published in June 2018, set out the programme of work the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) was to take forward during 2018-19. Method: The Department for Communities (DfC) aimed to offer a wide range of services which would impact the lives of most of the public during their lifetime. DfC’s strategic priorities include; (i) a more confident people living their lives to the full and (ii) more engaged communities. This is achieved by effective engagement with people, stakeholders, and delivery partners. Key function of the DfC business plan is maximising public benefits from sport and physical activity. Through partnership development and funding, the third year of the #activefitsporty programme was developed and mentioned specifically within the strategic priorities.Results: The six ‘active, fit & sporty’ projects assisted local clubs and community organisations to put in place, deliver and embed a range of sporting opportunities for women and girls, which assisted in creating a more cohesive community whilst tackling area based deprivation. The programme effectively delivered on three outcomes from within PfG:Outcome 5 - We are an innovative, creative society where people can fulfil their potentialOutcome 8 - We care for others and we help those in needOutcome 9 - We are a shared, welcoming and confident society that respects diversityConclusion : Based on the identified need and the continued under representation of women and girls in sport, there is a need to invest specifically to increase the number of women and girls participating in sport and physical activity.