BASC has welcomed the government’s new strategy Sporting Future: A New Strategy for an Active Nation which includes a commitment to support the role of outdoor recreation in keeping people active.
In its response to a consultation on the draft strategy, BASC made a case for comprehensive recognition and support for shooting and its role in bringing people together and getting them more active outdoors.
Participation in shooting is growing, with at least 550,000 active participants in England. The strategy recognises that outdoor activities are a vital part of the tourist economy across the UK. People who shoot spend £2.5 billion each year on goods and services, bringing income into rural areas, particularly in tourism’s low-season.
BASC chief executive Richard Ali said: “We look forward to working with Sport England and other partners in encouraging more people to participate in outdoor recreation. Shooting is open to all backgrounds, ages and abilities and is an activity that people can take part in throughout their lives. Shooting also generates enormous benefits to the community, the economy and to the nation’s health and wellbeing.”
The chairman of BASC’s England committee, John Thornley, said: “The government wants to see the outdoor activities sector thrive and grow as an important alternative way that people can engage in sport and physical activity. BASC, with its membership network of over 140,000, is already playing a key role in welcoming newcomers from all walks of life and ages into shooting. Government recognition and support for that contribution will be very welcome.”
