I have been thinking about the importance of sport in our national life. Seeing the crowds at Old Trafford last weekend revelling in the England cricket team doing well against South Africa, and the packed stadium roaring on Mo Farrah on Friday night, is a reminder that sport is significant.
It has always been important to me: playing as much rugby and cricket at school as possible and then at University andearly married life. Some of you will remember that even once elected to Parliament I trotted out for Ivybridge Thirds (only because they did not have a fourths) for a season, only to be the recipient of many punishment beatings at the bottom of rucks as people took out their frustration with the body politic on the body Streeter.
There is something special about the team game, pushing yourself to the limit, playing for the person next to you and rejoicing or drowning sorrows together afterwards. Sport is great for learning about life: sometimes we win sometimes we lose – deal with it. Good days and bad days – get over it.There is usually a club to match every level - enthusiasm the main ingredient. Sport is character-building.
That is why it remains crucial that active team games are part of the national curriculum in every school. Sport is one of theantidotes to our increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
I am learning to love England Woman’s cricket, football and rugby also and it is good to see these great sports being embraced by women and girls. I will be cheering on our Female Fifteen in the rugby world cup over the next few weeks.
Our area is replete with active sports clubs, of all descriptions, at every level. Members of the Green Army are looking forward to seeing Argyle flourish in a higher league. Plymouth Albion has had a tough few years, but we wish them well for the forthcoming season. It would be wonderful if they could somehow replicate the success of the mighty Exeter Chiefs and become a major force in the country.
At junior level we have successful teams: Plymstock Albion Oaks, Plympton and Cornwood Cricket Clubs and IvybridgeRugby Club come readily to mind. All of these clubs, and many like them invest heavily in the next generation and are producing young men and women who will play an important part in shaping our society in the future.
Long may it be so.