As Scottish athletes continue to shine on the global stage as part of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, sportscotland has confirmed the first recipients of a £500,000 legacy fund aimed at getting communities across the country more active.
More than 90 projects will share around £250,000 as part of GO LIVE! GET ACTIVE, a programme designed to support Community Sport Hubs (CSHs) deliver a sporting legacy from the first ever multi-sport European Championships.
The Scottish Government funding, which is being invested by sportscotland, is supporting CSHs that establish new sport or physical activity sessions to target those most inactive in communities. It is also being used to fund projects that use sport and physical activity to improve health, wellbeing and social cohesion.
As part of the fund, a one-off investment of up to £5,000 is being made to successful applicants that have demonstrated a collaborative approach with other partners in order to improve health and wellbeing. Priority is being given to projects from Scotland’s most deprived communities.
Minister for Sport, Joe FitzPatrick, marked the funding awards by visiting Whitacres Community Sport Hub in Glasgow, which will receive £4,590 to deliver a series of new boxing sessions for 16-25 year old females and males over the age of 40. The sessions are designed to improve fitness, health and wellbeing and are targeted at encouraging people who have been inactive to become more active.
Sport Minister Joe FitzPatrick said: “Support for community sport hubs is an important aspect of our vision for a more active Scotland, supporting our aim to reduce physical inactivity in adults and adolescents by 15% by 2030.
“This £500,000 investment will build on the enthusiasm generated by Glasgow 2018, making a lasting difference in communities throughout the country, with a positive impact on the health of individuals while boosting community cohesion.
“Whitacres Community Sport Hub is a perfect example of this. In particular, I’ve been impressed by their boxing programme, which has achieved great success with women and older people.”
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government has continued its legacy commitment to Scottish sport as part of the staging of the European Championships and has recognised the significant contribution of Community Sport Hubs.
“The growth of Community Sport Hubs right across Scotland has shown that with careful planning and partnership working, it is possible to derive a tangible legacy from hosting major events.
“Across the country hubs are providing more and better opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport, Whitacres Community Sports Hub is one example of this work from the 192 hubs across the country. We have made great strides in this area and will continue to work with our partners in the months and years ahead to ensure that we help build a Scotland where sport is a way of life.”
CSHs were a sportscotland legacy commitment for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and this will provide a fantastic opportunity to build on that success. The GO LIVE! initiative will enhance the great work that is already being done by CSHs and provide more and better opportunities for Scottish communities to get active.
Further funding will be awarded at a future date to support the upskilling of the CSH workforce. GO LIVE! Go Lead is an opportunity for local volunteers with the potential to develop leadership skills to be given the opportunity to participate in a tailored leadership programme.
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