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The first dedicated fund aimed at creating a legacy from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games recently made its final awards across Scotland.

Over 150 sports clubs, schools, scout groups and voluntary organisations recently shared in the final £260,635 from the Big Lottery Fund’s 2014 Communities programme. Since 2008, £6.4 million has been awarded to 4,180 projects that support grass roots involvement in sport and physical activity - with funding going to every one of Scotland’s local authorities. From outdoor dance classes for older people to sports taster sessions for children, a full list of the final 2014 Communities is available here

Commenting on the programme’s achievements, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, Maureen McGinn said: “2014 Communities was the first dedicated fund to be launched in Scotland aimed at creating a legacy from the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Since November 2008, we have awarded £6.5 million to 4,180 groups across Scotland. From developing grassroots sport and physical activity through to encouraging volunteering, this investment has benefited people of all ages and sporting abilities. It’s a legacy we are proud to leave behind and one which will create stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities in every one of Scotland’s local authority areas.”

Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, added: “2014 Communities is one of the main ways that grass roots sport and community projects are benefiting from the Commonwealth Games. There are enormous benefits to getting active, both in terms of overall health and mental wellbeing. These grants will make a huge difference to these local projects, enabling even more people to take part in sport and physical activity opportunities that are right on their doorstep. Although this programme is now drawing to a close, it has been instrumental in delivering a lasting Legacy across Scotland for thousands of communities and I’m pleased it has been so successful.”  

Amongst the recent final 2014 Communities winners is a new project in the Highlands that will encourage young people take up Grass Track cycling. The Moray Firth Cycling Club receives£1,980 to purchase equipment and run taster sessions in this traditional sport, which has been part of the Highland Games since the 1800s.

Tim Allan, Active School Coordinator, High Life Highland, said: “This is a fabulous chance for young people to have a go, and hopefully get hooked on grass track cycling.  With after school training sessions starting in Spring 2015 we are sure to bring on a number of youths who will likely go on to become excellent cyclists, be it on the road, MTB or otherwise.”

Senior coach Kenny Riddle, is an ex commonwealth games cyclist. He added: “The grass is where some of our current best domestic cyclists began. With strong links to the Active Schools Network we can run regular after school training sessions across various areas of Inverness. We hope to get some of the kids racing at the Highland games circuit next season and, who knows, they could be the next stars of Scottish Cycling.”

In Midlothian, Health in Mind received a second 2014 Communities award after an initial grant back in 2012 to promote healthy exercise amongst its members. Recently the charity received £1,792 to provide outdoor dance workshops and walking activities for adults with a range of mental health problems, as well as older people over the age of 50.

Louise Logan of Health in Mind, said: “We are thrilled to receive 2014 Communities funding for our outdoor dance project. The year-long project will enable participants to physically and creatively engage with the natural environment throughout the changing seasons and by doing so improve their mental and physical wellbeing. The intrepid group will be going out no matter the weather – armed with their waterproofs and a passion for dance!”

Also receiving funding recently the community running club, the Strathaven Striders. Their GRASS project (Get Running at Strathaven Striders) will encourage adults to take up volunteering and increased physical activity through various running and fitness activities such as cross country running, off-road trails and orienteering.  The club will also recruit and provide training for two additional coaches.

Commenting on their £2,000 award, John A Pitt, Strathaven Striders’ Secretary and Level 2 Athletics Coach, said: “Over the last ten years our membership has increased considerably and we now have 183 members ranging in ages from 18 to 75. The GRASS project will enable us to attract even more people from Strathaven and beyond so that they can enjoy the benefits of regular exercise. Thanks to this 2014 Communities award, we’ll be able to increase the number of qualified coaches, as well as purchasing essential new training equipment for the club’s future development.”

Across its 2014 Communities programme and other funding initiatives, the Big Lottery Fund has invested £11 million of National Lottery funds to ensure Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games have a positive and lasting impact across the whole country.

For more press or media information contact
Big Lottery Fund Scotland Press Office 0141 242 1452 or 07823 552889
Lorna.mcniven@biglotteryfund.org.uk

For more information about 2014 Communities or the Big Lottery Fund please 
Go to our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland
Call: 0300 123 7110 
email: enquiries.scotland@biglotteryfund.org.uk or go to our websitewww.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Notes to editors

• 2014 Communities was a micro grants programme, offering local sports clubs, voluntary and community organisations, community councils and schools grants of £300 to £2,000 to support and stimulate grass roots involvement in sport and physical activity.
• The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.
• The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since its inception in 2004 it has awarded close to £6bn.
• In the year ending 31 March 2013, 28% of total National Lottery revenue was returned to the Good Causes. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £31 billion has been raised and more than 400,000 grants awarded.