The newly appointed Chair of the Gwent Sport Partnership has declared that the region must seize every opportunity to get residents moving more frequently, aiming to fundamentally transform public health and wellbeing. Kevin Bounds, who grew up in Bulwark near Chepstow, states that the organisation's mission is both straightforward and highly ambitious.
A Clear Mission to Overcome Stubborn Inequalities
Kevin Bounds explains the core purpose of the newly formed partnership: "The Gwent Sport Partnership has been created to overcome the stubborn inequalities in those that take part in sport and physical activity. By making decisions as a region, we can create a Gwent where everyone can have a lifelong enjoyment of sport."
He emphasises the broader vision, stating: "The ambition is to use physical activity and community sport to improve health and wellbeing across the region. Not only do we have an opportunity to transform lives but we can also ease pressure on public services."
Bringing Vast Experience Back to Gwent
Bounds, who now lives in Shirenewton, Monmouthshire after returning from living and working in London, brings a wealth of high-level experience to the role. His career includes senior positions at CEO, CFO, consultant and non-executive director levels for major blue-chip organisations such as J P Morgan, NatWest, Nationwide and KPMG. He has also successfully run his own consultancy business.
His passion for health and reducing inequalities through increased activity is demonstrated by his previous roles. He served as treasurer and trustee of the International Longevity Centre UK, the leading think tank on demographic change. Furthermore, he founded Fit for Better Living Limited, a company dedicated to providing one-to-one fitness training that significantly improved the lives of older people.
Bounds also holds the positions of trustee and treasurer for Good Gym, a UK-wide charity that innovatively combines running, walking and cycling with performing community good deeds.
Tackling Gwent's Pressing Health Challenges
Bounds is now set to apply his forward-thinking approach and ambition directly to the challenges facing Gwent. He outlines the difficult issues the region confronts: "In Gwent, we face difficult issues such as childhood obesity, poor mental health, and an ageing population with increased care needs. This, in turn, has a huge impact on public health and care budgets."
He asserts the need for proactive intervention: "We need to do everything we can to prevent these issues, providing accessible and affordable opportunities so that people across Gwent enjoy moving more often."
Acknowledging the specific challenges within the region, Bounds adds: "There are persistent inequalities within and between the different local authorities so the Gwent Sports Partnership will aim to bring organisations and individuals together to identify those communities in most need of intervention."
A Strategic Regional Partnership for Wales
The establishment of the Gwent Sport Partnership marks a significant milestone, as Gwent becomes the fifth and final region in Wales to successfully create such an entity. These Partnerships were initiated by Sport Wales and are specifically designed to revolutionise the way sport and physical activity opportunities are planned and delivered for communities across the nation.
The partnership's remit will comprehensively cover the local authority areas of Newport, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen.
The Next Phase: Recruiting a Regional Director
The immediate next step for the organisation involves the crucial recruitment of a Regional Director. The Gwent Sport Partnership is actively seeking a high-calibre and inspirational individual who can effectively drive the Partnership forward and play a central role in transforming health and wellbeing outcomes across the region.
