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How National Lottery Players Help Grassroots Sport

More than 30 organisations have written an open letter highlighting the impact National Lottery funding has on sport and physical activity.

England netballers star in the new film to promote the impact of National Lottery money on sport

Major sports organisations and charities from across England have joined a nationwide campaign to thank National Lottery players for helping to fund grassroots sport.

Since it was launched in 1994, the National Lottery has invested more than £5.7 billion into community sport and helped people live active lives.

Representatives from organisations such as the Football Association, the England and Wales Cricket Board and England Netball, as well as our own chief executive Tim Hollingsworth, have signed an open letter to National Lottery players highlighting some of the things that wouldn't have been possible without the investment.

Over the last 25 years, the funding has been used to build facilities, maintain playing fields and increase opportunities for millions of people.

Read the letter

A short film, entitled “Because You Play”, reiterates this link as high-profile sports stars, amateur participants and volunteers explain how the money has helped change lives.  

Max Whitlock, Great Britain’s most successful gymnast who features in the video, said a lot of things wouldn't have been possible without the general public buying National Lottery tickets.

“It’s so important to invest in grassroots sport, and help people get active and get fit,” he said. “There are so many benefits to taking part in sporting activities, and National Lottery players are making it possible.”

Winter Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold, Lioness Fran Kirby, England’s Men’s Cricket World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan and Commonwealth and European swimming champion Duncan Scott also feature.

Because You Play #NationalLottery25

The video shows how funding from the National Lottery has been crucial for grassroots sport across the UK, with athletes and participants showing their thanks for everything that's been achieved, including improved facilities and more opportunities to play.

The film and letter are part of a season of events to celebrate the National Lottery’s 25th birthday. The events reflect the legacy, celebrating projects and people who've benefitted from National Lottery funding over the last quarter of a century.

You can discover the positive impact playing the National Lottery has had on your community over the past 25 years by visiting www.lotterygoodcauses.org.ukOpen in a new window and get involved by using the 25th hashtag: #NationalLottery25

 

Channel website: http://www.sportengland.org/

Original article link: https://www.sportengland.org/news-and-features/news/2019/november/8/national-lottery-film-and-open-letter/

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