Newham Mag issue 241 (pdf)

Sporting
inspiration we can
all look up to
I could do nothing but laugh when I met a true giant
from the world of sport – in more ways than one. Even
standing on a podium I was no match for the 6ft 7ins of
rugby star Martin Johnson, the former England manager,
captain and World Cup winner.
Along with local residents, councillors and businesses,
Martin and I were at East London Rugby Club in
Memorial Park, West Ham, to hear about the club’s
exciting plans for developing youth and women’s rugby
and getting local people involved in the life of the club.
One of my promises for this year is to help every young
person to be a sportsperson, to inspire them to take up
a new sport such as rugby as well as supporting local
people to become coaches. I’m delighted that East
London Rugby Club are keen to play an active part.
Martin’s words on the need to get youngsters involved
in grassroots sport were inspirational. Some children, he
said, get involved with the aim of playing at the top level;
some play because of the friendship; some because it is
a team sport and others because the whole family just
wants to get fi t. But they all play, above all, because it is
great fun! Wise words from a sporting giant we can all
look up to.
Recognising the signs of abuse
The recent case that made media headlines about abuse
related to spiritual belief must act as a reminder to us all to
be vigilant about abuse taking place in our communities, to
prevent this kind of atrocious behaviour from happening to
children in future.
The vast majority of people in the communities where
violence such as this can take place are horrifi ed by these
acts and take no part in them.
Martin Johnson, left, with rugby club chairman Nick
Bracken, second left, and businessman Tony Gale, right
from energy company GE
While incidents of child abuse are few and far between,
in Newham we aim to ensure the highest possible of
safeguarding and child protection.
Keeping young people safe is everyone’s responsibility
and recognising the signs of abuse and knowing what to do
could make a huge difference in a child’s life. If you are worried
about a child visit our website at www.newham.gov.uk and
search for ‘safeguarding children’.
with Sir Robin Wales
07