The all-party parliamentary group on sport and physical activity in the criminal justice system may be in its infancy, but justice minister Alex Chalk is already a fan. Chalk told the inaugural meeting last week that he was pleased see the creation of this cross-party group – as well as revealing an unexpected childhood dream.
The minister was particularly enthused about sport as a tool for rehabilitation – especially its role in ‘prehabilitation’. For instance, staff at one prison hold a ‘Cell to 5K’ programme. Around 50 custodial establishments have joined a national indoor rowing league. The Twinning Project, a partnership between HM Prison and Probation Service and professional football clubs, has twinned 63 prisons with 61 clubs. Parkruns have been taking place inside prisons since 2017, with many ex-prisoners going on to join parkrun events in their local communities.
Former Youth Justice Board chair Lord McNally (Tom McNally) asked if the minister had looked at basketball as a sport that could involve younger prisoners. ‘You’re pushing at an open door,’ replied Chalk. ‘As someone who spent their early teens wanting to be Michael Jordan, there are so many reasons why basketball matters. You can play 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 in half a basketball court. It’s brilliant for cardio.’
A basketball hoop at HMP Bristol has proved popular with prisoners. ‘Yes with bells on for that,’ Chalk emphatically declared.
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