Burnham backs new body ISPAL to boost Welsh sport

1.24.00pm GMT Wed 17th Jan 2007

Eleanor Burnham AM at the launch of ISPAL in the National Assembly

Eleanor Burnham AM today welcomed the formation of a new industry body in the arena of Welsh sport and leisure, ISPAL (Institute for Sport, Parks and Leisure), as offering a real boost in the areas of sport training and development.

At a launch in the National Assembly today, members of ISPAL Cymru, ISPAL UK and various other sporting, leisure and recreational bodies who are members of ISPAL met to celebrate the new organisation, highlighting it's vital role as an important industry-led advisory and training organisation.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Sport said: "I am pleased to welcome the creation of this new body ISPAL, as it appears to me that the sport, leisure and recreation industry in Wales will now have a clear voice with which to represent themselves.

"ISPAL is taking a progressive stance in being member-led - this body is made up of those people who work within the sport, parks and leisure arena and as such I believe they know some of the best ways forward for training, development and industry guidance.

"Sport of every kind has a vital role to play in getting our nation fit, healthy and happy and I feel strongly that these ambitions should be at the forefront of a political attitude towards sport and recreation in Wales. I'm looking forward to working with ISPAL to deliver the crucial industry training and professionalism that will help take Welsh sport even further in the future."