Our latest Community Sport blog is written by South Wales Police’ Divisional Commander of Eastern BCU Chief Superintendent Alun Thomas.
HERE in Cardiff we are extremely fortunate to have the very first event of the 2012 Olympics.
A number of events are being held in Cardiff, athletes will be based here, and of course the Torch will be passing through.
This presents a fantastic opportunity to encourage our young people to get involved in sport.
As a police force we see the positive impact sport can have in bringing communities together and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
Sport teaches young people discipline, respect and team spirit which benefit not only themselves as individuals but the wider community.
Our Neighbourhood Policing Teams regularly organise local sporting events from football tournaments to skating sessions which help take young people off the streets where they can become victims or perpetrators of crime and disorder.
These events also encourage positive contact between young people from different parts of the city, therefore improving community cohesion.
Crime is at a 25-year low in South Wales but we cannot become complacent.
Achieving an even safer capital is a team-effort in which sport has a part to play.
With the Olympics right here on our doorstep, there is no better time to become part of this winning team.
This blog was written in conjunction with the launch of a strategy for Community Sport in Wales. If you’d like your say, get involved in the debate on twitter – using the hashtag #communitysport
