Culture Secretary claims 2009 is start of Golden Decade for Sport

 CULTURE Secretary Andy Burnham believes the turn of the year has heralded the beginning of the Golden Decade for British Sport - proclaimed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown last February.

_{GOLDEN YEARS: London 2012 is tip of iceberg for sport in Britain claims Burnham (Getty Images)}

With 2009 underway, Great Britain could stage up to 11 major sporting events with the London 2012 Olympics the jewel in the crown.

And Burnham believes sustained investment is finally coming to fruition, and urged the British public to immerse themselves in sport over the next ten years.

"2008 was the year when people around the world noticed that Britain was back in business in sport," he said.

"It has been the best year for British sport in living memory and the Queen's New Year Honours list rightly reflects the achievements of our star performers."

"There are three key elements to achieving sporting success. These are getting the grassroots in shape, international elite success and hosting major events. For the first time in a generation we have all three elements in alignment."

CONFIRMED AND POTENTIAL SPORTING EVENTS STAGED IN GREAT BRITAIN

2010	Ryder Cup - Newport	HOSTING
2012	Summer Olympics - London	HOSTING
2013	Rugby League World Cup - England	BIDDING
2013	Super Bowl XLVII - London	CONSIDERING
2014	Commonwealth Games - Glasgow	HOSTING
2014	Ryder Cup - Gleneagles	HOSTING
2015	Rugby Union World Cup - England or Scotland	BIDDING
2016	Football - Euro 2016 - Scotland	BIDDING
2018	Football - World Cup - England	BIDDING
2018	Commonwealth Games - Cardiff, Sheffield or Liverpool	BIDDING
2019	Cricket World Cup - England	HOSTING

And Burnham reiterated the importance, propagated by UK Sport and Locog - the organising committee of London 2012, of introducing new people to sport across the country.

"There has never been a better time to take up sport and we want everyone to make it their New Year's resolution to contribute to the growing success story that is British sport," he added.

"This may be by taking up sport, becoming a coach, volunteering or introducing a friend to something new. We all have a part to play."