MPs unite behind lacrosse
Lacrosse has evidently become a notable priority among many MPs, as it is currently the subject of the second most popular early day motion (EDM) in parliament.
Currently with 69 signatures to its name, the EDM demands more funding for its elite players.
Lacrosse is one of the world’s fastest growing sports and it appears to be gaining popularity quickly across England’s demographic spectrum – MPs included.
Graham Brady, the MP who started the motion, noted the difficult situation that several families faced prior to the World Championships, because they were responsible for the costs of sending their boys to compete.
Mr Brady congratulated England’s Men’s under-19 lacrosse squad for participating in the World Championships in British Columbia in July 2008. Its overall rank in the tournament was fourth place, coming behind the USA, Canada, and the Iroquois Nationals.
He urged the government to “endure a fair allocation of resources in order to address the lack of funding for international lacrosse squads which could result in the loss of promising England player.”
A number of Labour party members, Conservatives, and Liberal Democrats alike – as well as the English Lacrosse Association, which gives its full support – are all standing strong behind the motion.
Only one EDM is more popular – Sectoral Targets for Energy Efficiency and Microgeneration.
The MPs that have signed the lacrosse motion include Ann Widdecombe, Frank Field, Ann Cryer, Mark Oaten, Simon Hughes, Kate Hoey and Nick Soames.