Get involved.Sample letter to MP[Your MP] [Date] Dear [name] I am writing to you to raise my concern about the desperate lack of media coverage of women's sport in the UK. I am a passionate believer in the value of sport and I strongly believe that in this country we are failing to encourage physical activity and fitness among women and girls. As you probably know, there are tremendous benefits to be had from taking part in sport and, for women and girls in particular, sport helps prevent obesity, many forms of cancer and osteoporosis. It also helps improve self-esteem among young women and therefore improves mental and sexual health too. However I am concerned that we are wasting the opportunity to make the most of those benefits. I find it unbelievable that only 5% of sports media coverage in the UK is dedicated to women's sport and that, according to figures from the Women's Sports Foundation, women are 32% less likely to play sport than men. This is a shocking imbalance and I would like to know what you and your party are doing to ensure that women and girls have the chance to take part in sport and enjoy the benefits. While I realise that it is difficult for politicians to control or steer the media, I feel strongly that something should be done. I notice that the BBC charter is currently under renewal. Will you be placing pressure on the BBC to strike a much fairer balance? If the UK is to address its unenviable position as a nation that leads the way in disease and obesity, and if we are to nurture more world and Olympic champions, we need more role models - and the media has a critical role to play in this. I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely
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