Sport England Launches 'We Are Undefeatable'

August 30,2019

Sport England has launched a major new campaign, ‘We Are Undefeatable’, in order to support people living with long-term health conditions to lead more active lifestyles.

The governing body behind the This Girl Can campaign, released the findings of a new survey which states that more than one in four people in England - 15 million - live with a long-term health condition such as diabetes, cancer, arthritis or Parkinson’s, and are twice as likely to be inactive.

Despite this, the same research shows that over two thirds (69%) of people with long-term health conditions say they would like to be more active.

The campaign brings together 15 health and social care charities with backing and National Lottery funding from Sport England to support those living with long-term health conditions to be more active.

The Sport England survey shows that 66% say being more active would help manage or improve their condition, with improved mood and well being seen as the biggest benefit (52%). Nearly a quarter of respondents feared that physical activity would make their health issues worse and 44% said being more active would like more help and advice on how to be more active.

The campaign will run across TV, radio and social media, encouraging people to use the #WeAreUndefeatable hashtag, while support packs will be distributed to every hospital and pharmacy in England.

Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive of Sport England said: “You’re twice as likely to be inactive if you have a long-term health condition. We believe we can change that, because our research shows the majority of people with a condition would like to be more active.”

“This campaign forms part of a longer-term drive by Sport England to change cultural and social norms around long-term health conditions and physical activity. We will continue to work with everyone from healthcare professionals, coaches, governing bodies, gym operators and even town planners to ensure that people with long-term health conditions feel able and supported to get active or play sport in whatever way suits them."

This article originally appeared on sportindustry.biz. In June, we held Beyond Sport UK in partnership with Sport England to explore sport's role in addressing the UK's most pressing social issues.