However, the Jersey Sport chief executive says work must still be done to hold politicians to account, as the independent body pushes for further investment in physical activity programmes.
Before Wednesday’s poll, 20 of the 49 elected candidates made promises to consider the importance of sport over the next four years, either by signing Jersey Sport’s pledge board or by signing up to the campaign online.
‘Several candidates who are outwardly pro sport have been elected, and we are delighted with that,’ said McAllister.
‘Now we need to canvas hard, build on all the great comments the public have made and make sure there is a strategy for sport in the Island which includes more investment in preventative programmes.
‘The public have given us a great endorsement on the work we’re doing. Our role now is to act on their behalf and apply pressure to make sure politicians deliver on the pledges they’ve made.’
McAllister, who has said previously that she would like a specific minister for sport, added: ‘It’s a great outcome, but the proof will be in the pudding. You can have ministerial roles all you like but if no-one else supports it it becomes difficult.
‘Sport and active living needs to be up there, being given real momentum.’
