Members are asked to reach conclusions based on the evidence received.
Minutes:
The Task Group drew the conclusions set out below, in relation to its terms of reference.
· To assess whether all efforts were made to obtain commercial sponsorship
The Task Group felt that, from the evidence received, all reasonable efforts had been made to obtain commercial sponsorship, although these efforts had not been fully explained previously. The actions taken were the correct ones in the circumstances at the time.
· To evaluate whether the expectations to raise up to £3M in commercial sponsorship was an achievable aim at that point in time
The Task Group accepted that Leicester Games Ltd had a genuine intent to raise the sponsorship specified and belief that this could be done. However, on the evidence provided, it was difficult to take a considered view on whether the expectations at the outset were realistic.
Leicester Games Ltd had a range of plans that it had worked through. However, various problems were encountered during the planning stages. For example, First Rights was close to gaining a major sponsor for the Games, but the lack of links with the 2012 Olympic Games prevented this.
The Task Group expressed its interest in receiving, and giving consideration to, the report being prepared by Leicester and De Montfort Universities on the impact and legacy of the event. It was noted that this was due to be published in September 2010.
In conclusion, the Task Group suggested that the event needed to continue, but current arrangements were not suitable for future Games. Funding needed to follow the athletes, rather than the hosts being so heavily reliant on commercial sponsorship, and it was an inappropriate expectation that one city could host the Games on its own. Alternative arrangements therefore could be considered, such as the Games being hosted on a regional basis, (or in close co-operation with other authorities in a region), using government funding, and with greater support from appropriate national organising bodies.
The Task Group believed that people with learning disabilities should be recognised explicitly in grant funding for sports and suggested that a letter could be sent to the Minister for Sport, the Minister for Disability and Special Olympics Great Britain asking that consideration be given to the points raised above.
· To evaluate alternative ways of securing funding that could have been explored and to identify lessons learned to improve the chances of securing commercial sponsorship for similar events in the future
The wide range of activities undertaken to attract sponsorship to the Games from local, national and international sponsors was recognised. Given the restrictions on the time available, it was felt that it would have been extremely difficult to undertaken any further activities. It also was recognised that the possibility had been considered of obtaining insurance against a loss through lack of sponsorship. However, if a similar event was hosted in the future, it would be useful to undertake more extensive risk assessments at the outset of the planning phase.
The Task Group considered that, on the advice and guidance received, First Rights was the best company to employ to source sponsorship for the Games. This was backed up by the experienced people on the Board of Leicester Games Ltd.
The Task Group recognised that it was not always appropriate to have cross-party representation in discussions during the planning stages of an event of this nature, but suggested that it could be useful in the future to have greater cross-party representation, to facilitate openness and transparency.
Vote of Thanks
The Task Group extended its thanks to the Board of Leicester Games Ltd for its hard work and the personal financial risks taken.